USDA Releases Federal Interim Rules on Hemp

The USDA released the Interim Federal Rule on the Domestic Hemp Production Program on 10/31/2019. The Interim Rule is effective immediately and sunsets on 10/31/2021, when the Final Rule goes into effect. Comments on the Interim Rule may be submitted up until 1/29/2020, and will be considered by the USDA before the new rules are issued on 11/1/2021. Rural Vermont will provide further analysis and be submitting formal comments on the Federal Interim Hemp Rules in the coming weeks.

For more information, watch this informative webinar on the Federal Interim Rules on Hemp compiled by Vicente Sederberg, LLP and Eric Steenstra from Vote Hemp. Also of note are protocols on USDA Sampling Requirements & USDA Testing Requirements, released separately from the Federal Interim Rules.

States & Tribes with existing Hemp Pilot Programs, such as Vermont, may continue operating under current regulations (dictated in the 2014 Farm Bill) until the State’s plan is submitted to and approved by USDA. The State will submit Vermont’s Hemp Rules for Federal approval by 9/1/2020, and they will be approved on denied within 60 days.

Here’s what you need to know regarding the Federal Interim Rules on Hemp.

Contact mollie@ruralvermont.org for more information, questions, and to get involved.