The
2018 Farm Bill
directed The U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a national regulatory framework for hemp production in the United States. USDA established the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program through an interim final rule. This rule outlines provisions for the USDA to approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a Federal plan for producers in States or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan.
Note
This document is a
draft version of the interim final rule
provided as a courtesy. The official publication of the interim final rule in the Federal Register may include changes from this version. The effective date of the interim final rule is, and the comment period will not begin until, the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Summary
This rule establishes a new part specifying the rules and regulations to produce hemp. This action is mandated by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. This rule outlines provisions for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a Federal plan for producers in States or territories of Indian Tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan. The program includes provisions for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements, licensing requirements, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new part.
Dates
This interim rule is effective when it is published in the Federal Register through 730 days after being published. Comments received by within 60 days of this interim final rule being published in the Federal Register will be considered prior to issuance of a final rule.
