USDA Releases Federal Interim Hemp Production Rules

USDA released an interim final rule to establish a domestic hemp production program. The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to establish a regulatory framework for hemp production. The framework will work in tandem with state production plans which must be submitted to USDA for review and approval. Hemp producers must comply with both USDA’s and their state’s regulations on the production of hemp. 

 

The interim rule is effective October 31, 2019 through November 1, 2021. The interim final rule is open for public comment until December 30, 2019 using Regulations.gov docket number AMS_FRDOC_0001-1919. 

 

The Domestic Hemp Production Program regulations include rules on USDA’s requirements to produce hemp, testing requirements to determine delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, destruction of non-compliant plants, and more.

 

The full interim regulatory text and USDA’s report on hemp can be read on the Federal Register. 

 

For questions about the interim rule and USDA’s Domestic Hemp Production Program, contact Bill Richmond, chief of United States Domestic Hemp Production Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA at (202) 720-2491 or at william.richmond@usda.gov or Patty Bennet, director of Marketing Order and Agreement Division at patty.bennett@usda.gov.