October 31, 2019
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the official publication of an interim final rule, which establishes the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States.
The interim final rule governs the production of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill and does not affect industrial hemp that was or is being cultivated under the 2014 Farm Bill programs. That industrial hemp remains subject to the requirements of the 2014 Farm Bill.
The interim final rule was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, and includes provisions for the USDA to approve hemp production plans developed by states and Indian tribes including requirements for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements and licensing requirements. It also establishes a federal plan for hemp producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved hemp production plan.
The interim final rule becomes effective on Oct. 31, 2019. USDA invites public comment on the interim rule and the information collection burden. Written comments may be submitted until Dec. 30, 2019.
