New USDA rule will change how Idaho handles hemp

hemp

A new federal administrative rule will change how the state of Idaho handles hemp production and transportation through the state.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is codifying a change that will, in effect, establish hemp as a federally recognized crop in the United States and address regulatory concerns in the process. The USDA says the new rule will be officially posted later this week.

The State of Idaho still bans the production and transportation of hemp, but the new rule will address a lot of the concerns raised by legislators about hemp production. USDA will take the lead regulating hemp growers and production to ensure what’s labeled as hemp is what a business claims it is.

Idaho Governor Brad Little expects new federal rules to address the transportation of hemp across state lines. The governor says he and his staff are crafting a plan for when the interstate transportation of hemp becomes legal under the new federal rules. Little adds the plan will be a stopgap measure until the Idaho Legislature develops a permanent regulatory framework around hemp.

The new federal rule, while encouraging for hemp growers or prospective hemp business owners, doesn’t change Idaho law, but may open the door to legislation in the upcoming session to recognize the federal law and new USDA code. (KIVITV.com)

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