Hemp proponents are pleased that the USDA has formally announced the creation of a national hemp production program. A requirement of the 2018 Farm Bill, it will provide regulation of all U.S. hemp production.
Among those applauding the news is Oregon Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. He says he’s long sought to get hemp established as a domestic crop.
“Congress passed my bipartisan Farming Act and now federal regulations have to be updated to reflect hemp’s legal status," says Wyden. "The release of the interim rule by the Agricultural Department is an important first step to ending uncertainty for Oregon farmers.”
The interim final rule formalizing the program will be published in the Federal Register later this week, followed by a 60-day public comment period.
Once rules are finalized, hemp can be legally grown under federally-approved plans, and make hemp producers eligible for a number of agricultural programs. Regulations will also determine where hemp can be grown, define THC testing standards, and outline how crops failing to meet federal standards can be disposed.
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