The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has temporarily suspended issuing hemp cultivation certificates to Oregon Department of Agriculture-registered growers until the agency completes the rulemaking process.
“The temporary suspension is because HB 4089 requires the OLCC to create and implement new rules for regulating hemp. All applications received prior to today have been processed; if the application met the criteria, the OLCC issued a hemp certificate. Any future application received by the OLCC will be returned to the sender until the new rules are in place.” – the OLCC in a press release
Existing hemp certificate holders can still transfer specific hemp items to OLCC processors that hold a hemp endorsement. Under the hemp reform bill, which took effect Apr. 13, the OLCC must develop rules for registered hemp cultivators and handlers to transfer hemp, hemp commodities, and hemp products to processors, retailers, and wholesalers licensed by the OLCC. All registrants must register for a Cannabis Tracking System Account.
The bill was unanimously passed by the Legislature last month: it includes testing requirements and bars unlicensed individuals from producing, processing, or storing homemade industrial hemp extracts, such as CBD. The measure also sets a $2,500 fine for violating the law. Funds derived from fines, licensing and fees will be transferred to the Industrial Hemp Fund.