The USDA originally published the Farm Bill Final Rule back in January. But a new administration took power less than a month later, and the Final Rule immediately went under review once more. This past week the USDA announced that the Final Rule would be published as originally written. It will take effect beginning March 22 of this year. 

The Final Rule

Let’s break down some of the biggest changes the USDA has made when it comes to the Farm Bill.

• Additional Flexibility will apply to THC standards. Originally defined as containing less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC in it’s final products, hemp plants can now contain up to one percent before they must be destroyed, according to bill standards. 
• Only DEA labs can test hemp. Growers have one year to find a certified testing lab.
• Originally set for 15 days, the testing period is extended to 30 days to decrease backlog testing.
• Growers are still required to test samples of a harvest before it is complete. They can however submit samples from the flower rather than the entire plant.
• Hemp plants that contain higher THC levels must be disposed of properly on-site. This measure had previously been a temporary requirement but is now permanent. 
• The final rule makes requirements for hemp plants more “performance based” than strict requirements, allowing more yield and flexibility to farmers and growers. 

Future of Hemp

There are many states currently looking to legalize cannabis, and seem to be overlooking hemp and all it can offer. However, this open discussion about cannabis and state legalization only became commonly discussed thanks to the Farm Bill. Without the Farm Bill, many states in recent years wouldn’t be open to discussing cannabis and what it can do for citizens. 

Plus, Delta 8 THC recently became federally legal. Delta 8 has shown itself to be incredibly helpful for consumers and has grown exponentially since the 2018 Farm Bill passage. It seems that Delta 8 will continue to flourish with the rest of the hemp industry in the coming future thanks to the Final Rule of the Farm Bill. We are excited to see where things go. 

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp news.