The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the Wyoming hemp regulatory plan and has granted authority to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) to regulate the hemp industry in Wyoming.
The WDA resubmitted the Wyoming hemp plan on January 31, 2020 after USDA issued the Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule late last year. Upon USDA’s approval of the Wyoming hemp plan on February 20, 2020, the WDA will now have primary regulatory responsibility for hemp growing and processing in the state of Wyoming.
“We are happy that the USDA approved our state plan and that the WDA will now be able to provide one more crop option for growers and processors in Wyoming,” said Doug Miyamoto, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. “Now that we have delegated authority from the USDA, the next step for the WDA is to implement emergency rules in order to initiate our program in Wyoming.”
The WDA has drafted emergency rules, approved by Governor Gordon, and in consultation with the Wyoming Attorney General’s office so that we may implement a hemp program prior to the 2020 growing season. These emergency rules will be in effect for 120 days. During that time, the WDA will go through the normal rule promulgation process including a public comment period and resulting in a final rule.
“This is a brand new crop with inherent risks and a challenging regulatory structure so we encourage producers and processors to look closely at the rules and regulations if they choose to attempt growing or processing hemp in 2020,” said Miyamoto. “With that said, we are excited to get this program off the ground and to start a hemp industry in Wyoming.”
The WDA is now accepting applications for hemp licenses.
Current Status of Hemp Program in Wyoming:
The WDA hemp plan was accepted by the USDA on February 20, 2020. The Governor, in consultation with the Wyoming Attorney General’s office, has approved emergency rules drafted by the WDA to initiate a hemp program prior to the 2020 growing season. These emergency rules will be in effect for 120 days. During that time, the WDA will go through the normal rule promulgation process including a public comment period and resulting in a final rule.
Wyoming Hemp Regulatory Plan
USDA Interim Final Rule
The USDA has released an interim final rule regarding the establishment of a U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. For information on the interim final rule and the help program at the USDA, click, visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp
Hemp Information from Governor Gordon’s Office
To read a update on hemp in Wyoming from Governor Gordon that includes a background, the current status of hemp, and a list of frequently asked questions,
Hemp Resources
University of Wyoming Extension – Hemp in Wyoming
U.S. Wholesale Hemp Price Benchmarks
For more information, contact: Wes Brown at 307-777-3502 [email protected]
