New Bill Would Reduce Burden on Industrial Hemp Farmers

A bipartisan team of U.S. senators presented a bill in the country’s Senate that would reduce the burden on industrial hemp farmers.

U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D) and Mike Braun (R) introduced bipartisan legislation dubbed the Industrial Hemp Act, that would exempt farmers who exclusively cultivate industrial hemp from the arduous background checks and expensive sampling and testing requirements.

These protocols would, however, remain, for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp, according to The Dales Report.

“Montana farmers don’t need government bureaucrats putting unnecessary burdens on their operations,” stated Senator Tester. “It’s time we cut red tape, and make it easier for industrial hemp farmers to get their product to market. My bipartisan bill builds on Montana’s leadership on hemp policy and creates good-paying jobs for folks across rural America.”

The current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules require all hemp crops must be compliant and are subject to a test, while the end-use products made from industrial hemp have always been exempt from the Controlled Substances Act.

The new legislation would still require industrial hemp farmers to meet compliance standards, but would not require background checks and testing protocols if their crops are in compliance.

Producers who go against these regulations would be banned from taking part in the hemp program for five years.