The U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving closer to finalizing a national regulatory framework for hemp production. The plan marks a major step toward bringing new hemp regulations into alignment, but work remains on a number of fronts.
The framework is set to take effect this Thursday – allowing states to submit their proposed regulations to the USDA and setting up a federal plan for hemp producers in states that do not choose to write their own plans.
"This new policy will help farmers around the country continue pioneering this crop into the 21st century and I'm proud to say Kentucky's prepared to take the lead," Sen. Mitch McConnell told colleagues.
While the new framework will guide states in areas like licensing, testing THC levels, crop disposal, and maintaining information about the land where hemp is produced, it will be up to other agencies to decide other lingering questions.
"There are ongoing conversations with the FDA on CBD products, ongoing work to help growers and retailers to access credit and financial products," the senator added. "There will inevitably be ups and downsas this new industry develops, but today's announcement is another crucial step."
The federal framework published this week will be subject to a 60-day public comment period. If the rules are finalized, the USDA will begin accepting regulatory proposals from states.
