Sen. Mitch McConnell closed a hemp law loophole, triggering an existential crisis for the $28 billion US hemp THC industry.

The loophole had allowed wide sales of intoxicating hemp derivatives, including popular THC drinks and edibles.

The article says these products operated outside state marijuana rules, letting brands scale without standard cannabis compliance costs.

The change threatens a federal ban on the THC drink boom, with year-end deadlines approaching.

Oregon retailers and suppliers warn the federal changes will force widespread closures.

Operators say they invested heavily in processing, farm partnerships and distribution under the previous legal framework.

States that embraced legal hemp sales face sudden economic contraction, the article says.

Lawmakers and advocates are still debating the exact scope of the restrictions.

Federal regulators are expected to finalize enforcement guidelines soon, leaving businesses little time to adjust.

Read the full article on the hemp loophole and the fight to save the THC industry.