USDA OKs hemp plans for Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey
He added, “I was surprised to see that Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio were approved because they didn’t grow hemp last year.”
The federal government last year legalized hemp, which is related to and looks like marijuana but contains only traces of THC, the chemical in marijuana that gets people high.
Hemp fiber and seeds are used to produce textiles, rope, paper, cosmetics, fuel, and CBD, which is often sold as a dietary supplement or included in creams and other personal care products.
Louisiana will be able to accept license applications once the USDA approves its rules and regulations, which is expected to happen in February, said Laura Lindsay, a spokeswoman for Strain.
“I am pleased that we remain on track to issue licenses for the 2020 planting season,” Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said in a news release.
USDA announced the approvals Friday, saying another 15 state plans are being reviewed and eight more are being drafted. It said three Indian tribes — the Flandreau Santee Sioux, La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians and Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians — have approved plans, and another 15 tribes’ plans are being drafted or reviewed.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says at least 47 states have passed laws for industrial hemp cultivation and production.