USDA approves Wyoming Hemp Plan
by Wyoming Department of Agriculture media release
February 25, 2020
(2/24/2020) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the Wyoming hemp regulatory plan and has granted authority to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) to regulate the hemp industry in Wyoming.
The WDA resubmitted the Wyoming hemp plan on January 31, 2020 after USDA issued the Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule late last year. Upon USDA’s approval of the Wyoming hemp plan on February 20, 2020, the WDA will now have primary regulatory responsibility for hemp growing and processing in the state of Wyoming.
"We are happy that the USDA approved our state plan and that the WDA will now be able to provide one more crop option for growers and processors in Wyoming," said Doug Miyamoto, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. "Now that we have delegated authority from the USDA, the next step for the WDA is to implement emergency rules in order to initiate our program in Wyoming."
The WDA has drafted emergency rules, approved by Governor Gordon, and in consultation with the Wyoming Attorney General’s office so that we may implement a hemp program prior to the 2020 growing season. These emergency rules will be in effect for 120 days. During that time, the WDA will go through the normal rule promulgation process including a public comment period and resulting in a final rule.
"This is a brand new crop with inherent risks and a challenging regulatory structure so we encourage producers and processors to look closely at the rules and regulations if they choose to attempt growing or processing hemp in 2020," said Miyamoto. "With that said, we are excited to get this program off the ground and to start a hemp industry in Wyoming."
The WDA is now accepting applications for hemp licenses.
Current Status of Hemp Program in Wyoming:
The WDA hemp plan was accepted by the USDA on February 20, 2020. The Governor, in consultation with the Wyoming Attorney General’s office, has approved emergency rules drafted by the WDA to initiate a hemp program prior to the 2020 growing season. These emergency rules will be in effect for 120 days. During that time, the WDA will go through the normal rule promulgation process including a public comment period and resulting in a final rule.
Source and more information:
Wyoming Hemp Program
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Editor’s note: Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. Unlike marijuana, hemp has no psychoactive effect when ingested. Industrial hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial products including rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. The Governor’s office sees great potential for industrial hemp as an agricultural crop in Wyoming.
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