2018 Farm Bill Extended Throughout 2024
Hemp, Inc. has announced that the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension throughout 2024.
Hemp, Inc., recently reported in a press release that the 2018 Farm Bill obtained an extension through 2024 (1). The press release mentioned that the “extension of the 2018 Farm Bill involves its inclusion in a stopgap spending bill,” and that both Democratic and Republican parties from the US Senate and House Agriculture Committees had come to a mutual decision on the bill (1).
The 2018 Farm Bill which is usually passed every five years will now be extended until September 30, 2024 (1,2). Hemp, Inc., mentioned the importance the bill provides for the hemp industry (1), as “de-scheduling commercial hemp production and eliminating hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and has provided much-needed regulation for cannabinoids.” If the 2018 Farm Bill doesn’t pass, it could significantly harm the hemp industry.
“We want to get the Farm Bill done as soon as possible, hopefully before the end of [next] year,” Senator Boozman commented (1). “That doesn’t preclude us from getting it done [sooner]. But it gives us that time. And it gives the farmers the certainty that they will have a Farm Bill in place.”
Although the legislation has received an extension, it does still leave the hemp industry in a bind. A source commented to Hemp, Inc., that the delay on passing the bill, leaves stakeholders up in the air on their concerns and will have to stand by with their questions unanswered which could impact the industry (1). There is still hope though for the bill because of the extension. According to Hemp Today (2), “The next Farm Bill could also help the hemp industry by providing more USDA funding for state hemp programs, opening up hemp to subsidies other crops enjoy, repealing a ban on felons operating in the industry, and permitting hemp grain for animal feed.”
With the delay of approving a new farm bill, the hemp industry will be waiting the next nine months for an update unless new information comes sooner (2).
References
- Hemp, Inc.; NewMediaWire. Hemp, Inc.. Reports: 2018 Farm Bill Sees One-Year Extension Through 2024 https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/12/12/2794900/0/en/Hemp-Inc-Reports-2018-Farm-Bill-Sees-One-Year-Extension-Through-2024.html (accessed Dec 12, 2023).
- HempToday. Hemp Policymaking Expected to be Contentious, As Farm Bill is Delayed https://hemptoday.net/hemp-policymaking-expected-to-be-contentious-as-farm-bill-is-delayed/ (accessed Dec 12, 2023).
Ep 24, Part III: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 26th 2024In the final part of this episode, Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn discuss the need for a national entity to centralize cannabis data collection, moving from snapshot data to continuous updates. They emphasize the importance of accurate lab data and adverse event tracking, suggesting QR codes on packaging to report issues. Yasha suggests harsher consequences for result manipulation and suggests collaboration between state departments and federal entities to support underfunded regulators. They also discuss the potential benefits of off-the-shelf testing and the importance of stability testing. Finally, Yasha shares his top three reading recommendations for the audience.
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
