Producing Industrial Hemp: Laws & Regulations
The Problem:
Many states have enacted industrial hemp laws since the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. Although these laws have similarities across the U.S., each state has noticeably different content in the specific details of the laws.
The Research
After the 2014 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp, many states exacted industrial hemp laws. Additionally, because the 2018 Farm Bill amended the requirements to grow industrial hemp, it is expected that states with existing regulations will adapt their laws to comply with the 2018 Farm Bill language.
Although the similarities exist across the U.S., there are significant differences between each state’s industrial hemp laws. To address this, legal researchers at the National Agricultural Law Center have created a 50-state compilation of industrial hemp laws across the U.S. This publication provides the complete statute for each state, as well as typical provisions within the industrial hemp laws of each state.
The Bottom Line
There is a significant variation in industrial hemp laws from state to state. Those interested in growing hemp should research the specific laws and provisions in their state.
This project was supported by the National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
About the Researcher
Rusty Rumley
Senior Staff Attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center.
Rusty earned his B.S. in AgriBusiness magna cum laude from Oklahoma State University and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He then earned his LL.M in Agricultural Law at the University of Arkansas. He is licensed to practice law in the states of Oklahoma and Michigan.
His primary areas of interest are in estate planning, taxation, business organizations, landowner liability, leasing and agritourism.