We are in a moment in history, the House of Representatives and the Senate have both passed a version of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalizes Hemp and Hemp derivatives. This movement gained momentum on April 12 when Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate Majority Leader, introduced a bill which will legalize hemp and hemp derived products. The bill’s language is incorporated into the 2018 Farm Act, and if passed, will deschedule Hemp and exclude hemp from the definition of Marijuana provided the delta-9 THC is below .3% on a dry weight basis.
“(1) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” -2018 Farm Bill
This change in legislation will create an economic boom for processors and retailers, driving demand for Hemp and CBD through the roof. Farms who are already licensed and ready through state programs will see an immediate boost in demand for their products, which you can explore on Kushmarketplace.com/hemp.
On June 21, 2018, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the Farm Bill 213-211. On June 28th, the Senate easily passed their version of the 2018 Farm Bill 86-11. Both versions of the bill contain language to legalize Hemp. However, there is a disagreement surrounding the SNAP benefits AKA food stamps. The House version of the bill will cut food stamp benefits for a substantial number of impoverished citizens, the Senate bill will not.
Legalizing Hemp – What happens now?
A joint committee comprised of representatives from both the house and senate will be established. The goal of this “conference” is to find a compromise, and a new version must be established to bill to continue. Once a compromise is found, the bill goes back to vote. Assuming this version of the bill passes both the house and senate, president Trump will likely sign this bill into law.
Legalizing hemp will have a tremendous impact on the US agricultural industry, and we have the opportunity to make this shift very quickly. The timing couldn’t be better as the global economy focuses on the economic and trade opportunities with in hemp and marijuana. At the moment, the United States policy is antiquated and needs this face lift.
The current Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30th, 2018. We are going to see movement on this bill, and I am confident this will open up a world of new opportunity for Hemp.
2022 Update! Where do the Laws Stand Now?
Since the passing of the 2018 Farm bill Most, but not all, states have adopted the bills standards and allowed both the cultivation and sale of hemp products like CBD. In general, hemp derived CBD and cannabinoid products are legal to buy and consume in the United States as long as they aren’t marketed as medicine or found in food or beverages. But there are exceptions! For example, states like Idaho and Nebraska have not fully adopted the Farm Bill, and there are still places in the United States where CBD is not legal to purchase!
Additionally, things can get complicated around ‘Full Spectrum’ hemp products that may fall below .3% delta 9 THC, but above .3% when considering Total THC calculations. These products are legal in some states, but specifically banned in others.
Finally the rise of popularity in Delta 8 THC has caused many states to pass legislation banning the cannabinoid. While in other states it’s considered part of the 2018 farm bill’s definition of Legal Hemp.
Here’s a guide that covers all the Hemp / CBD / Delta 8 THC Laws in All 50 States
** Keep in mind that regulations are constantly changing and readers should not consider this article legal advice. Prior to producing, processing, buying, or selling they should consult their own legal counsel familiar with the laws in their state. **
Tyana Daley
