Hemp Legislation

The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill lifts all restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation in the US on a federal level, allowing the full return of this important crop with deep roots in American.

Hemp cultivation became illegal in the U.S. in 1937, under provisions in the Marihuana Tax Act, which was drafted by prohibitionist Harry Anslinger. In the intervening eight decades, American culture has steadily warmed to the idea of reviving the agricultural commodity and its many commercial uses.

The Farm Bill removes hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and allows farmers to pursue federal hemp cultivation permits, while individual states can regulate the industry within their borders as they see fit.

Quick Facts

• Industrial Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC concentration
• Hemp is now removed from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
• Congress has made it clear that hemp-derived products such as CBD are not controlled substances
• Farmers are able to cultivate hemp with a state license and have access to crop insurance and are able to fully participate in USDA programs for certification and grants