Sens. Kaine and Warner want the USDA to quickly approve Virginia's plan to regulate hemp so the General Assembly can update the laws in the state.

VIRGINIA, USA — The Virginia General Assembly adjourns in March. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine on Thursday pushed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to hurry along its review of Virginia's plan to regulate hemp production.

The Senators want the plan approved so the General Assembly can update the Commonwealth's hemp laws and address any flaws that could occur after the USDA's review.

Hemp is not marijuana. Hemp has a minuscule concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and therefore no narcotic capability.

Hemp is estimated to be used in more than 25,000 products, including agriculture, textile, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverage, paper, personal care, and construction products.

“Industrial hemp presents an unprecedented opportunity for Virginia producers, and it is critically important that state and federal guidelines provide certainty and security to our farmers,” wrote the Senators. “Expeditious review of Virginia’s Plan to Regulate Hemp Production is needed to provide VDACS and other state agencies with the information they need to run an effective hemp program for the 2020 growing season.”