Six Problems with the USDA’s Interim Hemp Program Rules

Six Problems with the USDA’s Interim Hemp Program Rules

Over the next few days, hemp attorney Chelsie Spencer will be addressing issues that she has noted with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) proposed program rules, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (“TDA”) Revised Interim Program Rules, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (“DSHS”). Keep in mind that these rules are all in their proposed period and that now is the time for the public to provide input. Today, we will be highlighting issues with the USDA’s program rules.

Comments on the USDA Interim Rules may be submitted HERE.

January 27, 2020 , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCSix Problems with the USDA’s Interim Hemp Program Rules
Read More

Revised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Violations, Hemp Transportation, and Hemp Seed Requirements

Revised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Violations, Hemp Transportation, and Hemp Seed Requirements

By: Paul Stevenson

After learning the application and hemp license holder requirements in Part I of this Series and the rules and procedures regarding the sampling and testing of hemp in Part II, it is now time to turn to the TDA plan’s provisions covering violations, license suspension and revocation, hemp transportation, and hemp seed requirements. 

As a hemp license holder, if you violate the TDA plan, it is imperative to comply with any enforcement action or corrective action plan imposed by the TDA in order to avoid any further negative consequences for you and/or your hemp operations.

January 22, 2020 , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCRevised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Violations, Hemp Transportation, and Hemp Seed Requirements
Read More

Revised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp

Revised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp

By: Paul Stevenson

Now that you have read Part I of the Revised TDA Hemp Production Plan series on the application and license requirements for hemp producers, it is crucial to understand the rules and methods for the sampling and testing of hemp for tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) concentration levels. 

January 22, 2020 , , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCRevised TDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp
Read More

4 Things to Know About Growing Hemp

4 Things to Know About Growing Hemp

Under the Final Interim USDA Hemp Production plan, several rules, requirements, and regulations pave the way for those looking to start a legal hemp farm after approval of their relevant State’s hemp-growth plan. Below, we’ve compiled four fundamentals to growing hemp, including hemp licensing, growing conditions, testing, and record-keeping, to help ensure compliance and facilitate a legal operation.  

November 15, 2019 , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLC4 Things to Know About Growing Hemp
Read More

USDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Compliance, Violations, and Recordkeeping

USDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Compliance, Violations, and Recordkeeping

By: Paul Stevenson

After learning the licensing requirements in Part I of this Series and the complex rules and regulations on the sampling and testing of hemp in Part II, it is now time to turn our attention to the USDA plan’s matters of compliance, violations, license suspension and revocation, and mandatory recordkeeping.

As a hemp producer, if you violate the USDA plan, it is important not to panic. Instead, focus on remedying this situation by complying with the corrective action plan or other enforcement actions imposed by USDA. 

November 15, 2019 , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCUSDA Hemp Production Plan Part III: Compliance, Violations, and Recordkeeping
Read More

USDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp

USDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp

By: Paul Stevenson

Now that you have read Part I of the USDA Hemp Production Plan series on the license requirements for hemp producers, it is critical to understand USDA’s methods and regulations for the sampling and testing of hemp for tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) concentration levels. Keep in mind: “tetrahydrocannabinol” and “delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol” are interchangeable phrases for THC.

November 15, 2019 , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCUSDA Hemp Production Plan Part II: Sampling & Testing of Hemp
Read More

USDA Hemp Production Plan

USDA Hemp Production Plan

By: Paul Stevenson

Last December, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, was passed, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act’s (“CSA”) definition of “marihuana.” The Farm Bill allows for the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) to oversee and facilitate the commercial cultivation, processing, and marketing of hemp. As mandated by the Farm Bill, USDA has developed an interim final rule to establish the domestic hemp production program.

November 15, 2019 , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCUSDA Hemp Production Plan
Read More

Cannabinoids: An Overview

Cannabinoids: An Overview

The hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) industry is an increasingly prosperous market. However, ambiguity surrounding product knowledge and legalities creates hindrances and obstacles for business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Before launching and investing in a start-up or existing CBD business, it is essential to fully understand the product that your CBD business will be dealing with: a specific class of compounds, known as “cannabinoids.” CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and while many states have statutes and regulations that apply solely to CBD products, several of the other predominant cannabinoids in hemp will most likely be coming to mass market. Below, we break down the basic distinctions between the most prevalent types of cannabinoids to further assist your knowledge and understanding of hemp/CBD. 

November 12, 2019 , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCCannabinoids: An Overview
Read More

Hemp Lawyer Chelsie Spencer Featured on Better Living with Nick Carissimi on KRLD News Radio

Hemp Lawyer Chelsie Spencer Featured on Better Living with Nick Carissimi on KRLD News Radio

Texas hemp lawyer Chelsie Spencer spends some time on Better Living with Nick Carissimi to discuss the CBD and hemp industries, legalities, and more.

“The industry has made leaps and bounds in the past six to seven years, and as far as legality, we’re seeing a changing landscape both at the federal and state levels,” says Chelsie, as she dives into several specific examples of the challenges she has faced and those that lie ahead for hemp and CBD law. 
With significant experience representing hemp growers, extractors, processors and CBD white labelers across the nation, Chelsie covers a range of critical topics and details for both the average consumer and manufacturer. Listen to the full radio show here.

November 12, 2019 , , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCHemp Lawyer Chelsie Spencer Featured on Better Living with Nick Carissimi on KRLD News Radio
Read More

HB 1325: Texas Hemp Regulations Increase

HB 1325: Texas Hemp Regulations Increase

HB 1325 (or, the “Bill”) began as a great draft of hemp legislation covering Texas hemp regulations. It aimed to establish a hemp growth program here in Texas and to amend some of our state criminal statutes that have led to arrests of individuals for possession of cannabidiol (CBD). Yes, the original draft Bill needed polishing and refinement to further expound on how the program would be implemented, what the regulations would be, and how it would work on a day-to-day basis. However, as the Bill has progressed through both the House and Senate committees, we have seen revisions included that provide unnecessary and onerous regulations for the Texas hemp industry. This over regulation will not benefit Texas and it certainly will not benefit hemp cultivators, processors, manufacturers, retailers, or consumers. Today, we cover some of the largest problems we have noted with the new text.

May 16, 2019 , , , , ,
Ritter Spencer, PLLCHB 1325: Texas Hemp Regulations Increase
Read More

Recent Posts

Categories

Tags