USDA Shares New Draft Rules on Hemp Webinar to Explain Regulation Approach

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new webinar video concerning its proposed hemp regulations. The USDA informed the public of the webinar in a bulletin issued on November 5, 2019.

The bulletin indicates that that the webinar is to provide an overview of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. And, that the program was developed to establish a consistent regulatory framework around the production of hemp in the United States. As for the video itself, the information therein is subject to a public comment period, which allows persons to provide their opinions of the draft rules, and the comment period for the Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule will be open to people until December 30.

The webinar provides insight into the interim final rules, and that it became effective upon publication in the Federal Register on October 31, 2019. The IFR also has its own comment period, where the USDA is seeking insight on the rule and its enactment. After two years, the IFR sunsets, and this period permits a full crop cycle and the delivery of a final rule.

According to the webinar, there are a number of key provisions of the IFR. For example, it provides guidance concerning procedures for tracking land where hemp is grown, it provides procedures for disposing of non-compliant plants, and it also provides procedures to share information, among other things

The webinar also provides information on the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, and the steps that people need to take in order to be in compliance with the program. In addition, the webinar also discusses how businesses can position themselves for success and how they can engage with the USDA to address areas of improvement to the interim final rule.

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