By Stephanie Smith, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets will withdraw its U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Hemp Production Plan as of December 31, 2022.
The Vermont Hemp Program will continue to operate through the end of 2022 and remain the point of contact for all hemp growers regarding oversight, administration, and daily operation. This includes inquiries about sampling, testing, remediation and disposal, and requirements for annual reporting. Vermont is currently operating under its USDA approved hemp production plan.
Beginning January 1, 2023, individuals that want to cultivate hemp and operate in compliance with federal law will be required to have a license issued under the U. S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The federal Farm Bill of 2018 established the regulatory framework for a U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, and USDA adopted final rules in January of 2021 to implement that framework. Information on USDA’s program can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp. The Agency will work closely with USDA as this transition takes place and will communicate with growers to make sure they are aware of the transition and steps necessary to continue to cultivate hemp in Vermont in compliance with federal law. For more information on hemp regulation in Vermont, please contact Stephanie Smith, Stephanie.smith@vermont.gov or Michael DiTomasso, Michael.DiTomasso@vermont.gov
Additionally, with the passage of Vermont Act 158 the regulatory oversight of testing of hemp products and hemp-infused products transferred from the Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets to the Cannabis Control Board. This authority includes the certification of laboratories conducting testing as well as setting contaminants action limits in cannabis, hemp, and infused products.
For more information contact the Cannabis Control Board at CCB.Info@vermont.gov or call 802.828.1010.