USDA Issues Interim Rule on Hemp Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an interim final rule “specifying the rules and regulations to produce hemp.” The rule outlines provisions for USDA “to approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp” and “establishes a Federal plan for producers in States or territories of Indian Tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan.” Under the rule, hemp producers must obtain licenses, maintain “information on the land on which hemp is produced,” comply with procedures for testing tetrahydrocannabinol concentration levels and dispose of non-compliant plants.

The rule took effect October 31, 2019, and the agency will accept comments until December 30, 2019.