Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (the “USDA”) released a draft interim final rule regarding the establishment of a domestic hemp production program. We expect the interim final rule to be published in the Federal Register in the next day or so, which will initiate the 60-day public comment period. This rule establishes rules to approve state and tribal plans to regulate the production of hemp pursuant to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, or the 2018 Farm Bill.
In addition to the interim final rule, the USDA released helpful guidance, a sample lab report as referenced in the rule, and some FAQs, all linked below:
Husch Blackwell has experience working with USDA and regularly advises industrial hemp cultivators and manufacturers under state-regulated hemp programs. Our cannabis regulatory lawyers are reviewing this draft rule and are ready to discuss such rule and implications on current and future business strategies. Please contact Steve Levine, Meghan Brennan or your Husch Blackwell attorney for further information.