The White House is lobbying Congress to delay a ban on intoxicating hemp products, a move that would benefit the son-in-law of President Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The delay was inserted into a stopgap spending bill, sparking an internal congressional dispute over public health risks versus industry interests.

Bret Worley, Wiles's son-in-law and CEO of companies selling hemp gummies and vapes, is a key figure in the hemp industry's influence campaign. This push aligns with the administration's broader permissive stance on intoxicants, despite concerns from public health experts.

Billionaire financier Howard Kessler also supported the delay, working with the White House. While a White House spokesman denied Worley's influence, critics like Kevin Sabet label the policy "pay-to-play." The proposed ban, set to take effect November 12, targets T.H.C.-containing hemp products, impacting a multi-billion dollar industry. The spending bill would delay this until December 11, with some senators, like Ted Budd, vowing to fight the provision.