The federal spending bill signed into law this week will effectively ban all hemp-derived consumer products containing the psychoactive ingredient THC.

Public health officials applaud the new law, but critics say it will kneecap the hemp industry valued at $28 million in the U.S.

Hemp is the part of the cannabis plant that was federally legalized for industrial uses under the 2018 Farm Bill. But the law didn’t clearly define how much THC could be in products such as gummies, drinks and vapes.

In a statement, Maine public health officials said these products mirror the effects of marijuana but are not subject to the same regulations.

“In recent years we’ve seen an explosion in unregulated, intoxicating hemp products across Maine," said the coalition which included The Maine Public Healt

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