Why It Matters

Congress is actively debating whether to ban intoxicating hemp products entirely or establish a regulatory framework instead—a division exemplified by the fierce disagreement between Kentucky’s two senators. Senator Mitch McConnell is pushing aggressive restrictions, while Senator Rand Paul has successfully blocked hemp bans in spending bills. The company’s full-spectrum CBD products depend on current hemp definitions; a ban would eliminate their business model entirely. This is a defensive play against prohibition and a bid for stability in a fragmented regulatory landscape.

By the Numbers

Cornbread Hemp has no prior federal lobbying history before 2025. The company retained Prozan Strategies in September 2024, marking its first entry into federal government relations. The firm operates as a solo venture, with Rebecca Prozan serving as the sole registered lobbyist. The lobbying focus is narrowly targeted at manufacturing issues within omnibus spending bills, rather than a broad advocacy portfolio.

The Agenda

Cornbread Hemp, a Kentucky-based organic CBD producer, is lobbying on manufacturing issues related to an "Omnibus Bill." The registration comes as Congress debates the future of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, with some lawmakers pushing to ban intoxicating hemp derivatives while others advocate for regulatory frameworks instead. The HEMP Act of 2025 would raise the legal THC threshold from 0.3% to 1.0%, potentially benefiting full-spectrum producers like Cornbread Hemp. The company’s focus on an omnibus bill suggests it is positioning to influence provisions attached to large spending packages—a strategy validated by Senator Rand Paul’s recent success blocking hemp restrictions from an agriculture bill in 2025.

Broader Context

Congress is deadlocked over hemp-derived cannabinoid products, creating an existential threat to companies like Cornbread Hemp. Senator Mitch McConnell has aggressively pushed to ban intoxicating hemp products, framing the issue as child safety, while Senator Rand Paul has blocked similar efforts. House Republicans have approved legislation that would ban virtually all hemp-based cannabinoid products, while bipartisan lawmakers have pushed back. The FDA has acknowledged its failure to establish clear regulatory frameworks for hemp-derived CBD, leaving the industry vulnerable. Appropriations bills and omnibus spending packages have become the primary battlegrounds where industry defenders and prohibitionists are fighting over riders and amendments.

Between The Lines

The battle is playing out in appropriations bills, where Senator Rand Paul recently blocked McConnell’s hemp ban language. Meanwhile, 39 state attorneys general have called for federal criminalization of hemp THC products. A House Oversight Committee hearing highlighted the FDA’s failure to establish a regulatory framework for hemp-derived CBD, leaving the industry in legal limbo. By targeting omnibus spending bills, Cornbread Hemp joins an industry-wide advocacy effort—including the Coalition for Access Now and American Herbal Products Association—seeking to preserve market access.

The Bottom Line

Cornbread Hemp hired Prozan Strategies to navigate an intensifying congressional battle over hemp regulation. The Kentucky CBD producer faces pressure from Senator Mitch McConnell’s push to ban intoxicating hemp products, while Senator Rand Paul has blocked similar measures. The company is specifically targeting omnibus spending bills where hemp restrictions and protections are being actively debated. Multiple industry groups are already lobbying on similar issues, suggesting Cornbread Hemp’s engagement is part of a broader industry effort to resist prohibition and secure regulatory clarity from Congress.

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