New rules for Vermont’s industrial hemp program will take effect July 1, according to a WCAX report. The state-level changes seek to reduce the likelihood of federal interference among the state’s hemp farmers.
Specifically, Vermont’s new industrial hemp rules set up a lab certification standard under a cannabis quality control program through the Agency of Agriculture. It also gives access to out-of-state seed supplies for Vermont farmers.
“[The] Farm bill gave states and universities the authority to do research on hemp, whether that was market research (or) genetic research. Just exploring the option of growing hemp as a viable crop.” — Cary Gigeure, Director of Public Health Agriculture Manager
Vermont hopes to encourage state businesses to incorporate more hemp products as a part of this shift, including beer, but officials are in some cases still uncertain how they will regulate and enforce the state’s new hemp laws.
Also on July 1, Vermont’s adult-use cannabis regulations will take effect. This policy shift will allow citizens to cultivate their own cannabis plants and gift up to an ounce of flower between adults; although the rules do not create a taxed-and-regulated marketplace, they are expected to establish a thriving gray market for cannabis products.