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The products sold on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By using this site, you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. By purchasing any products from this site, you acknowledge and agree that these products have not been evaluated by the FDA, and you understand the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana as outlined by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Please Note:
- Keep out of reach of children.
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For any further questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team.
This disclaimer ensures compliance with federal regulations while educating consumers about the legal framework governing hemp and cannabis products.
Farm Bill & Hemp Legislation
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its derivatives, provided that they contain no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on a dry weight basis. This pivotal legislation redefined hemp from its previous classification as a controlled substance, distinguishing it from marijuana, which contains higher concentrations of THC.
Historical Context of Hemp Legislation
Hemp has a long history in the United States, being used for various industrial purposes. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 initially regulated hemp production, which was further restricted by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The 2014 Farm Bill began to reintroduce hemp cultivation under state pilot programs, setting the stage for broader legalization through the 2018 Farm Bill.
Resurgence of Interest
Interest in hemp began to resurface in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven by growing recognition of its potential benefits in various industries, including textiles, food, and biofuels. The 2014 Farm Bill allowed limited hemp cultivation for research purposes, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive legislation .
Implementation & Impact
The USDA is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Hemp Farming Act. This includes reviewing state and tribal regulatory plans, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with federal standards. The USDA's Interim Final Rule, issued in October 2019, provided guidelines for hemp production and testing, further clarifying the regulatory framework . The legalization of hemp has spurred rapid growth in the U.S. hemp industry. Farmers across the country have embraced hemp as a new cash crop, leading to increased investment in hemp processing infrastructure and research. Hemp-derived products, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), have gained significant popularity, contributing to the industry's expansion .
The 2018 Hemp Farming Act: A Historical and Legislative Overview
The 2018 Hemp Farming Act, a crucial component of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill), marked a significant turning point in U.S. agricultural and drug policy. This legislation legalized the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp, distinguishing it from its psychoactive relative, marijuana. This paper provides an informative and factual overview of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, examining its historical context, key provisions, and implications for the hemp industry.
Early Hemp Cultivation in the United States
Hemp has a long history in the United States, dating back to the early colonial period. Early settlers grew hemp for its strong fibers, which were used to produce ropes, sails, and clothing. In the 17th century, several American colonies, including Virginia and Massachusetts, even mandated hemp cultivation by law due to its economic importance .
Decline and Prohibition
Despite its early prominence, hemp cultivation in the U.S. declined in the 20th century, primarily due to the advent of synthetic fibers and changing agricultural practices. The final blow came with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which placed stringent regulations on all cannabis varieties, including hemp. This act was later reinforced by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified all forms of cannabis, including hemp, as Schedule I controlled substances, effectively prohibiting its cultivation .
The Hemp Farming Act of 2018
Key Provisions
The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and incorporated into the broader 2018 Farm Bill. Its primary provisions include:
1. Legal Definition of Hemp: The Act defines industrial hemp as Cannabis sativa L. plants containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. This distinction from marijuana is crucial for its legal status .
2. Removal from Controlled Substances Act: The Act removes hemp and its derivatives from the list of Schedule I controlled substances, thereby legalizing its cultivation, processing, and sale at the federal level .
3. State and Tribal Authority: States and Native American tribes can regulate hemp production within their jurisdictions. They must submit regulatory plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval, ensuring that local laws align with federal standards .
4. Interstate Commerce: The Act ensures that hemp and hemp products can be transported across state lines, facilitating a national market for hemp products.
5. Research and Development: The Act encourages hemp research by allowing hemp cultivation for research purposes and providing access to federal grants and resources to support hemp-related studies .
Conclusion
The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 represents a landmark shift in U.S. agricultural and drug policy, restoring the legal status of industrial hemp and unlocking new economic opportunities. By distinguishing hemp from marijuana and removing it from the list of controlled substances, the Act has paved the way for a burgeoning hemp industry. As the regulatory framework continues to evolve, ongoing research and development will be essential to fully realize the potential benefits of this versatile crop.
For more detailed information about the 2018 Farm Bill and its implications for hemp and cannabis products, please refer to the following sources:
- [Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018](https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2)
- [USDA Hemp Production Program](https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp)
- [FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd)
2. Sloman, Larry. "Reefer Madness: The History of Marijuana in America." St. Martin's Press, 1998.
3. Johnson, Renee. "Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity." Congressional Research Service, 2019.
4. "Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018." U.S. Congress, 2018.
5. "Controlled Substances Act." U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
6. "USDA Establishes Domestic Hemp Production Program." United States Department of Agriculture, 2019.
8. "Hemp Production Program." United States Department of Agriculture.
9. "Interim Final Rule for Hemp Production." Federal Register, 2019.
10. "Hemp Cultivation and Processing." National Conference of State Legislatures, 2020.
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CAUTION: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase products from this site. The intended use of the products is for hemp-derived products with THC less than .3% and/or tobacco use. Please ensure that you are in compliance with all laws before purchasing products on this site. We will not ship/sell Delta 8 products to states in which it is illegal.