USDA is developing a regulatory framework for industrial hemp production as directed under the 2018 Farm Bill and will likely have a rollout this fall. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is working closely with the agency to establish the rules. NASDA Senior Director of Public Policy Aline Delucia says hemp production will be heavily regulated.
She says many states have already submitted hemp plans to USDA, but the agency will not approve those until the national regulatory framework is in place. That involves several components, including law enforcement education and testing guidelines.
Delucia says there is currently a good market for CBD oil, but they think other uses will catch on. NASDA official don’t believe the legalization of industrial hemp production has any link to legislation to allow marijuana.
She says a survey they conducted shows the states that have passed bills to support hemp production indicated production will double or triple in the coming year.
