Bob Hoban — The "Hemp Cliff" and What Comes Next

Bob Hoban — The "Hemp Cliff" and What Comes Next

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor July 3, 2026 Duration: 15:28

This is part ten of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. 

Bob Hoban is an attorney and consultant in the international cannabis and hemp space, based in Denver, Colorado. He has advised governments, companies and trade organizations across multiple continents, and in this Hemp in Poland series finale, he turns his attention to a deadline looming over the U.S. industry.

"So we've got what I've kind of come to refer to as the hemp cliff happening in November of 2026," he said.

Hoban explains that a wide range of products — from intoxicating cannabinoids to CBD — could become federally illegal at that point, along with a DEA opinion that effectively classified cannabis seeds as hemp. He traces it to a political reaction from Senator McConnell's office, but doesn't expect the cliff to actually arrive, pointing to heavy lobbying, an invested alcohol and distribution sector, and a lawsuit with a legal team ready to seek an injunction. Even if it does take effect, he argues, state programs will keep operating and the industry will absorb the hit.

"I think that it will impact the economics of the industry, but it doesn't kill the industry," Hoban said.

Learn More

Hoban Law Group
hobanlaw.com

Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants (IWNIRZ)
iwnirz.pl

European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA)
eiha.org

EIHA Conference
eiha-conference.org

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Condor Seed
condorseed.com

HEMI — The Hemp Education and Marketing Initiative
thegoodnessofhemp.org

Bish Enterprises — FiberCut Hemp Harvesting
bishenterprise.com/fibercut

1937 International
1937international.com


There’s a quiet revolution happening in fields and factories, and it’s centered on a single, versatile plant. Industrial Hemp Podcast, guided by Eric Hurlock, the Digital Editor at Lancaster Farming, moves beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening on the ground. This isn’t just theoretical discussion; it’s a direct line to the people driving the industry forward. Each episode features conversations with the farmers who are planting and harvesting these crops, facing very real agronomic challenges and opportunities. You’ll also hear from researchers, processors, and policy experts who are shaping the future of hemp for fiber, grain, and other industrial applications. The dialogue digs into the practicalities-from planting techniques and harvesting equipment to market trends, regulatory hurdles, and technological innovations that are changing the game. It’s a clear-eyed look at an agricultural sector finding its footing, reported by journalists with deep roots in farming communities. For anyone curious about the business, science, and sheer hard work behind industrial hemp, this podcast serves as an essential, grounded resource. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the hype and gets to the root of this growing field.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Industrial Hemp Podcast
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