Hemp and the 2018 Farm Bill

Brief Overview

For decades, hemp was grouped together with marijuana under U.S. federal law, making it illegal to grow or sell despite its non-intoxicating properties. That changed with the passage of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 — more commonly called the 2018 Farm Bill. This law removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, opening the door for farming, processing, and selling hemp-derived products in the U.S.

The Hemp Section of the 2018 Farm Bill

The hemp provisions are found in Title X, Section 10113 of the 2018 Farm Bill. Here’s what it establishes:

1. Definition of Hemp

   • Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant (seeds, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, derivatives) containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

2. Legalization

   • Hemp is no longer considered a controlled substance. It is treated as an agricultural commodity, separate from marijuana.

3. Federal and State Regulation

   • States and tribes can submit hemp production plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval.

   • Farmers must be licensed and follow approved cultivation rules, including THC testing.

4. Interstate Commerce

   • Hemp and hemp-derived products are legal to transport across state lines, regardless of state-level restrictions.

5. Research and Funding

   • Hemp is now eligible for USDA programs, crop insurance, and research grants, just like other legal crops.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Farm Bill was a turning point — it legitimized the hemp industry and created the foundation for the booming CBD and hemp wellness market. By clearly separating hemp from marijuana, the bill gave farmers, businesses, and consumers the confidence to grow, sell, and use hemp products legally in the U.S.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or medical professional. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. None of the products are FDA approved.