[LANCASTER, PA.] – The Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild commends the General Assembly’s continued progress toward establishing a clear regulatory framework for hemp-derived products through the committee’s passage of Senate Bill 49.
As the leading voice for Pennsylvania’s hemp producers, processors, and retailers, the Guild has consistently advocated for sensible, commonsense regulation that protects consumers by establishing a 21+ age requirement, clear labeling, rigorous testing requirements, and restrictions in school zones.
“We are fully supportive of commonsense regulation,” said Jake Sitler, Founder of the Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild. “While our members want rules that ensure safety and consistency, we’ve also seen in other states how unclear or rushed policy can later be used as a backdoor ban. That cannot happen here in Pennsylvania. We need smart regulation that creates opportunity, not fear.”
The Guild has been actively advising policymakers and agency leaders to ensure hemp remains an agricultural commodity within the Department of Agriculture, and that pathways remain open for innovation and entrepreneurship across hemp wellness, food, and beverage categories. Without proper language, the hemp industry stands to lose between $791 million to $1.4 billion – demolishing hundreds of small businesses and negatively impacting the employees with them. This makes hemp ripe for exploitation from outside marijuana monopolies that support banning hemp to improve their profits instead of protecting consumer choice.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Sitler added. “Pennsylvania has the chance to get this right to protect consumers, farmers, and small businesses while leading the nation in responsible hemp development. We’re here to help make that happen.”
The Hemp Industry & Farmers of America (HIFA) echoes similar concerns about ensuring clear, responsible regulations that protect both consumer choice and Pennsylvania businesses.
“The hemp industry has long supported commonsense regulation,” said Brian Swensen, Executive Director of HIFA. “However, we’re seeing outside interests attempt to exploit the progress hemp has brought to Pennsylvania. Our hope is to prevent monopolies from harming Pennsylvania small businesses or consumers.”
The Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild will continue to serve as a trusted advisor to legislators and regulators as the bill advances, offering technical expertise, on-the-ground insight, and direct representation for the Commonwealth’s hemp industry.
About The Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild: The Pennsylvania Hemp & Cannabis Guild is a coalition of farmers, processors, retailers, and advocates working to build a fair and responsible framework for hemp and cannabis in Pennsylvania. The Guild represents more than 30 members across the Commonwealth and actively collaborates with legislators and national organizations to shape sustainable, small-business-driven cannabis policy.
About Hemp Industry & Farmers of America (HIFA): HIFA is a nonpartisan coalition of hemp industry advocates representing the interests of all sectors – from farmers, veterans, and manufacturers to retail stores.
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