Robert Hoban Mar 14, 2021,
The final rule will have a major impact on the growth and viability of the industrial hemp sector … [+] GETTY
States are allowed to enact their own programs based on the 2018 Farm Bill Provisions surrounding industrial hemp, but they must be approved by USDA. There were a number of states that were approved by USDA under the interim rules and the new rule does not change that. However, a number of other states have engaged in deep negotiations with the USDA and do not yet have their programs approved. Colorado is one of those states, and the clock is ticking. The final rule expands upon a number of concepts, one of which involves negligent violations of the acceptable THC level that defines legal industrial hemp from illegal marijuana. Industrial hemp is defined at 0.3 percent THC or below. Under the interim final rule, a crop that tested above 0.3 percent THC faced significant repercussions from the Drug Enforcement Administration.