HomeNewsIndustrial Hemp Inches Closer Towards Federal Legitimacy In The USA

Industrial Hemp Inches Closer Towards Federal Legitimacy In The USA

It may not be long before industrial hemp finally shakes its unsavoury and undeserved status at a federal level in the USA.

Industrial hemp is currently classified as a Schedule I substance – a very odd situation given the very low levels of THC it contains. That cannabis generally is still classified as Schedule I, meaning it has no demonstrated medicinal value, is an equally perplexing issue.

The 2018 Farm Bill is of particular interest to hemp supporters in the USA in this regard, and it looks like it’s not far off.

“We’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill,” said a joint announcement from the Senate and House Agriculture Committee last week. “We are working to finalize legal and report language as well as CBO scores, but we still have more work to do. We are committed to delivering a new farm bill to America as quickly as possible.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted soon after:

“Pleased that my provision to legalize industrial hemp is included in the Farm Bill.”

The provisions introduced by Senator McConnell in April will legalise industrial hemp at a federal level, see it classed an agricultural commodity and remove it from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It will also give states free reign over how they structure programs relating to the crop and farmers will finally be eligible for crop insurance.

Senator McConnell not only understands industrial hemp is not a dangerous plant, but could also provide significant economic benefits for the USA – just like it did prior to prohibition.

While many U.S. states already permit the cultivation of hemp, the feds have been holding out until now.

“For the first time in nearly a hundred years, commercial hemp production will no longer be federally prohibited in the United States,” said NORML Political Director Justin Strekal.

Assuming passage continues to go smoothly, the 2018 Farm Bill may be done and dusted by the end of this year; with 2019 heralding a new age for industrial hemp in the USA.

With industrial hemp no longer a Schedule I substance, it also creates an interesting situation with regard to cannabidiol (CBD), as some strains of hemp can be high in the prized cannabinoid. CBD is being pursued for its potential benefits in treating and managing a range of health conditions.

Terry Lassitenaz
Terry Lassitenaz writes exclusively for Hemp Gazette and has done so since the site launched in 2015. He has a special interest in the political arena relating to medical cannabis, particularly in Australia, and addressing the many myths surrounding this incredibly useful plant. You can contact Terry here.
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