Mamba Brand CEO Urges for Funding to Enforce New Hemp Regulations
In a significant development, Dino Awadisian, the CEO of Mamba Brand, has voiced concerns regarding the feasibility of a new federal ban on intoxicating hemp products set to be implemented in 2026. A recently released report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) indicates that both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may face substantial challenges in enforcing this ban due to a lack of funding, staffing, and the necessary infrastructure.
The new legislation, quietly included in the recent federal spending agreement, alters the legal definition of hemp, instituting a nationwide prohibition on products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per package. This change risks making popular cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, high-THCA flower, and HHC—known for their legal and economic significance—effectively illegal.
The CRS report cautions, "It remains unclear if and how federal law enforcement will enforce the new prohibitions. Both FDA and DEA may lack the resources to broadly enforce the laws prohibiting intoxicating hemp products on the market.” Awadisian highlights that such a lack of funding for enforcement undermines the purported intent of the law, stating, "A law with no funding is not enforcement—it’s theater. This will not protect the public. It will only reward unsafe, unregulated, and untraceable products."
The Need for Regulation Over Prohibition
In light of these findings, Awadisian calls for a reconsideration of the approach taken towards hemp regulation. He insists that unfunded prohibitive measures benefit only unregulated operators, especially those that might tempt minors with attractive, untested products. He advocates for a regulatory structure that includes necessary licenses for manufacturers, rigorous testing standards, labeling protocols, and robust compliance inspections.
Awadisian warns that without a clear regulatory framework, not only will consumers face risks from unregulated products, but the absence of a legal pathway will also pave the way for a dangerous black-market environment. This scenario mirrors the complexities seen in the legal grey areas surrounding recreational marijuana, which has faced similar enforcement challenges.
Additionally, the CRS report suggests that the seeds from plants capable of growing high-THC cannabis might also soon be classified as illegal for interstate commerce. Legal experts warn that this could expose seed distributors to potential prosecution, despite seeds containing negligible levels of THC. This unprecedented alteration in federal policy raises alarms about the implications for legitimate seed businesses across the country.
A Call to Replace Prohibition with Structured Regulation
Awadisian is adamant that Congress must act to substitute unfunded prohibition with a structured national regulation that prioritizes safety and oversight. His proposed framework includes:
- - Federal licensing for hemp product manufacturers
- - Age-restricted retail requirements
- - Mandatory product testing and chemical reporting
- - Child-safe packaging standards
- - Trademark protections to deter misleading candy-like marketing
- - Real compliance enforcement with attached funding
Awadisian encapsulates his vision by stating, "Instead of outlawing the legal market, Congress should control it—just like alcohol and tobacco."
About Dino Awadisian
As the founder of The Mamba Brand LLC, Awadisian not only leads a revered producer of regulated consumer hemp products but also stands as a prolific advocate for establishing a federally standardized compliance system. His efforts prioritize safety, robust testing measures, age protections, and transparency in enforcement, aiming to safeguard consumers amid evolving legal landscapes.
With the impending changes on the horizon and the ongoing discourse surrounding regulation and enforcement, it is crucial to address these significant challenges head-on. The stakes are high, not only for consumers but for the future of the hemp industry in the U.S.