USDA Issues New Regulation Creating the Domestic Hemp Production Program

By: Richard M. Blau, Chair, regulated products law department

On October 31, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published a new regulation establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.  A requirement of the 2018 Farm Bill, this new program creates a comprehensive regulatory framework through which the USDA can approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp.  It also establishes a Federal plan for hemp producers in States or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan.

A video message from USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue regarding publication of the new Domestic Hemp Production Program regulations is accessible here. The interim final rule formalizing the Hemp program is published in the Federal Register, and is accessible online here.

Continue reading here