The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is urging members of Congress to significantly increase the amount of THC allowed in legal hemp.
In 2018 federal lawmakers legalized the cultivation of hemp throughout the United States via a provision in a federal farm bill. The provision states that hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. If it does, it’s considered marijuana and is illegal to grow.
Now, NASDA, founded in 1915, is calling on Congress to triple the THC limit to an even 1%.
“NASDA recommends amending the federal definition of hemp to increase the total THC concentration to one percent or less”, says the group. “Increasing the THC concentration to one percent would enable farmers to plant more seed varieties. This action also retains limits on THC concentration while giving farmers greater assurance their crop will be viable.”
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says his members see urgent need for action “to support farmers and ranchers in their ability to grow our nation’s food, fiber and fuel. Further, we believe these are the areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to champion policy solutions this year”.
Although hemp is legal nationwide, marijuana is legal recreationally in 24 states and legal for medical purposes in 40.
