First Hemp Guidance Issued by the USDA

Cannabis Apr 19, 2019

By: Nabil Rodriguez, J.D.*

On 4/19/19 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Agricultural Marketing Service (“AMS”) released the first guidance regarding the implementation of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Farm Bill”). The AMS guidance document “Importation of Hemp Seeds” discusses certain requirements for hemp seeds to be safely imported into the United States from Canada and other countries.

Hemp seed can be imported from Canada if the shipment is accompanied by either: “1) a phytosanitary certification from Canada’s national plant protection organization to verify the origin of the seed and confirm that no plant pests are detected; or 2) a Federal Seed Analysis Certificate (SAC, PPQ Form 925) for hemp seeds grown in Canada.”

Hemp seed can be imported from countries other than Canada if accompanied by “a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s national plant protection organization to verify the origin of the seed and confirm that no plant pests are detected.”

All hemp seed shipments may be inspected upon arrival by Customs and Border Protection to ensure USDA regulations are met, including certification and freedom from plant pests.

Questions or requests for information are directed to be sent to [email protected].

Should you have any questions regarding this guidance, please reach out to your Greenspoon Marder attorney.

*Nabil Rodriguez is not at attorney

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First Hemp Guidance Issued by the USDA

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