How Farm Bills Legalized Hemp Derived Cannabinoids
Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids were Legalized Under the 2018 and 2019 Farm Bills
The 2018 Farm Bill not only legalized the cultivation of hemp but also opened the door for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD. This legislative shift has led to an explosion in the availability of CBD products, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, farmers, and consumers. However, the 2019 Farm Bill brought additional clarity on compliance and regulation, particularly concerning THC levels and interstate commerce. In this post, we’ll explore how both Farm Bills contributed to the legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids.
2018 Farm Bill: Paving the Way for Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
The 2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) was a game-changer for the hemp industry. Before this legislation, all cannabinoids were classified as Schedule I controlled substances under federal law, making their sale and production illegal. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabinoids were legalized, provided they are sourced from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp-Derived CBD Legalized Nationwide
One of the most significant aspects of the 2018 Farm Bill was the legalization of CBD and other cannabinoids derived from hemp. As long as hemp plants have THC concentrations below 0.3%, products derived from them are legal to sell, possess, and transport across state lines. This legalization led to the booming CBD market that includes tinctures, topicals, and edibles.
The 2019 Farm Bill: Strengthening Compliance for Cannabinoid Products
Following the legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids in 2018, the 2019 Farm Bill added clarity to the rules and regulations governing testing and compliance. While the 2018 bill focused primarily on legalization, the 2019 update provided more detailed guidelines on how producers could ensure their products met federal standards.
THC Compliance and Interstate Commerce
The 2019 Farm Bill emphasized the need for strict THC testing to ensure that hemp-derived cannabinoid products remain compliant with federal law. Products containing more than 0.3% THC would be classified as marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law. The bill also provided clearer guidelines for the interstate transport of hemp-derived cannabinoids, ensuring that compliant products could be legally sold across state lines.
Conclusion:
The legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoids through the 2018 and 2019 Farm Bills has transformed the cannabis industry in the United States. With CBD and other cannabinoids now widely available, consumers can access a range of products that provide the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychoactive effects of THC. However, navigating the compliance landscape remains crucial for producers and sellers to stay within the legal framework.
