Government Accountability Office Reviews USDA’s New Hemp Production Program Rule

The Government Accountability Office tweeted at the end of November 2019 about the Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Marketing Service’s Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program.

Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service: Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program, B-331557 https://t.co/h3i8xBe3eX

— U.S. GAO (Legal) (@usgaolegal) November 25, 2019

On its webpage concerning its decision, the GAO indicates that it has reviewed the new rule on the program’s establishment and determined that it establishes new regulations governing hemp production, and a federal plan for producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own plans approved by the USDA. Further, the program includes provisions concerning maintenance of information on land where hemp is produced, the testing levels of THC, disposal of plants that do not comply with the requirements, licensing, and help with the new regulations.

Further, the GAO’s decision letter indicates that the rule “outlines” provisions for the USDA to approve plans that states and Indian tribes submit for the production of hemp.

The USDA’s hemp rules became effective October 31, 2019, and will be effective until November 1, 2021, according to a report by Marijuana Moment.

All information is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing should be interpreted as legal or medical advice.