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USDA approves state, tribal hemp plans, not all states like Federal rule

The states of Ohio, New Jersey, and Louisiana are the first to have their final state hemp plans approved by the USDA. 

Several states already have hemp pilot programs, but Rob Richard with Wisconsin Hemp Alliance told Brownfield during the Farm Bureau conference the new USDA hemp rule is not good for the state. “We’re now seriously contemplating asking DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection) and the State of Wisconsin to not submit a state plan and let USDA take it over because there’s no policy incentive for the state to do this because the regulatory burden on us is just too much and it makes no sense for the state to put money into a program that ultimately, the feds will regulate.”

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the comment period for the final hemp rule is still open until January 29^th. He says, “The rule becomes effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register, but we still want to hear from you to make sure the regulations meet your needs.” Richards says the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance intends to submit additional comments.

Along with the states, the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe in South Dakota and two California tribes had their hemp plans approved.  With the state of South Dakota opposing hemp production, The Flandreau Santee Sioux will be the only ones in South Dakota that can grow hemp.

The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla and La Jolla Band of Luiseño in California also had their hemp plans approved by USDA.