May 24, 2020

On October 31, 2019 the USDA published an interim final rule regulating the production of domestic hemp. If you are considering growing hemp in 2020, we strongly encourage you to read through the document and take advantage of the 60 day comment period. The USDA is requesting feedback from the hemp community on the proposed regulations and now is the time to voice any concerns or suggestions you may have. Click on the green “submit a formal comment” button on the link above to provide your feedback.

If thy are growing hemp for its beneficial oils, some of the most important information to consider within the USDA regulations are:

• 15 DAY SAMPLING TO HARVEST TIMELINE

• TOTAL THC CONCENTRATION CAN NOT EXCEED .3%

• TESTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY A DEA REGISTERED LAB USING POST-DECARBOXYLATION METHODS.

In the meantime, the 2020 applications for a Pennsylvania hemp permit will be delayed as the state department makes adjustments to fit within the plan. Sarah Pickel of the PDA suggested signing up for their hemp mailing list to be notified as soon as the new information is available on the PDA Hemp Program’s website. It will be December or later until the hemp permit applications become available.