November 2025 Newsletter: Finding the Silver Linings

As the immortal Yogi Berra quipped, “It ain’t over until it’s over.” And it truly ain’t over for hemp.

This past week delivered a heavy blow: the bill to reopen the federal government included language that would ban more than 95% of all hemp products nationwide. While it technically allows the sale of products containing less than 0.4 mg of total THC per container, those products are exceedingly rare, meaning this bill functions as a near total ban on the hemp products millions rely on.

We are disappointed, but not defeated. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Rand Paul and other advocates, a major concession was won: a 365-day delay before this language can take effect. That gives us until November 13, 2026 to help Congress understand that hemp needs to be regulated, not banned.

And we believe progress is possible.

The harmful language was pushed through under intense political pressure and with misinformation, including the false claim that it “protects non-intoxicating CBD products,” when in fact almost all legitimate CBD products exceed the proposed THC limits. Senators were also told this would crack down on synthetics and kid-targeted copycat products, but banning hemp will only drive those products into unregulated black markets.

Now that these dynamics are being exposed, we have a real opportunity to build a bipartisan consensus for sensible regulation. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA) will soon introduce a bill focused on strict manufacturing standards, truthful labeling, banning synthetic THC, and keeping products out of the hands of children, exactly the kind of regulatory structure the industry has been asking for. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley will be reintroducing their Senate bill as well, setting the stage for real action.

Most importantly, your voices mattered. More than 100,000 emails and phone calls flooded Congress, persuading 24 Senators to stand with hemp even when it was politically difficult. That foundation will only grow in the months ahead.

So while the challenge is real, the path forward is too. We have one full year to protect the future of hemp, and together, we can do it.

The Beauty of November at Whole Circle Farms

While the policy landscape shifts, the farm itself has been a grounding reminder that life is resilient and full of quiet miracles.

Even in mid-November, the farm is vibrant. The fallen leaves have created a warm, colorful carpet across the ground. We’ve been spotting newts near the creek, wasps tucking themselves away for hibernation, lingering late-season flowers, and what feels like a record number of mushrooms in every shape and color.

The wildlife has been just as full of life:

• Kingfishers darting bright blue down the creek
• A stately Blue Heron stalking the shallows
• Hummingbirds visiting the last blossoms
• Kestrels hovering over the fields
• And cheerful juncos in the birdbath

These moments remind us why we do what we do and why caring for this land matters so deeply.

Join Us at the Silverton Christmas Market!

We’re excited to share that we are part of the Silverton Christmas Market — a magical celebration featuring over 1.5 million lights. The atmosphere is cozy and festive, with the feeling of a charming German winter market glowing through the Oregon Garden.

If you’re one of our customers, we have a little gift waiting for you when you stop by to say hello. It’s our small way of sharing the joy and thanking you for supporting us through this challenging year.

We’d love to see you there!

Growing Forward: 600 New Trees Coming in February

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve joined a Stream Tree Program dedicated to restoring healthy riparian zones. In February, we’ll be planting 600 new trees along our stream banks. This will be an addition to the 3,000 trees and shrubs we planted this past February. These trees will help stabilize soil, improve water quality, support wildlife habitat, and further our mission of regenerative agriculture.

Planting trees in uncertain times feels like planting hope, a promise to keep nurturing this land for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us, for caring about the land, and for being part of this community. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we navigate the year ahead and work tirelessly for a healthy, sustainable, and well-regulated future for hemp.

With gratitude,
Rochelle and Peter and All of us at Whole Circle Farms