The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it will introduce federal hemp rules in August, speeding up the release date from previous plans to roll out the guidelines next year.

The USDA rules are the next step in developing the legal framework for hemp after its legalization as a farm crop under provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. These rules must be followed by individual states as they set local hemp laws.

The USDA has indicated that the regulations will address such things as land usage, standards for testing, disposal, law enforcement compliance, inspections, and certification for both products and industry workers.

Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program

E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.

Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621

Abstract: This action will initiate a new part 990 establishing rules and regulations for the domestic production of hemp. This action is required to implement provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill).

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite Interim Final Rule 08/00/19

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Deputy Administrator, Specialty Crops Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, South Building, Washington, DC 20050-6456, Phone: 202 720-4722, Email: sonia.jimenez@usda.gov.

RIN: 0581-AD82

Source: https://hemptoday.net/usda-hemp-rules/