Regulatory Resources
Federal Regulations
Understanding the federal regulatory framework that governs hemp production, processing, and distribution in the United States.
2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act)
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp by removing it from the Schedule I controlled substances list. Hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. This legislation enabled interstate commerce of hemp and hemp-derived products while establishing federal oversight through the USDA.
- Hemp Definition: Cannabis with ≤0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight
- Interstate Commerce: Federally protected for compliant hemp products
- State Authority: States may establish their own hemp programs
- USDA Oversight: National hemp program with licensing requirements
Products exceeding this limit are classified as marijuana and subject to controlled substance laws.
Regulatory Timeline
- Feb 2014
2014 Farm Bill
Authorized pilot programs for hemp research under state departments of agriculture.
- Dec 2018
2018 Farm Bill
Removed hemp (≤0.3% THC) from Schedule I controlled substances. Legalized hemp production and interstate commerce.
- Jan 2021
USDA Final Rule
USDA established final regulations for hemp production under the Domestic Hemp Production Program.
- Nov 2026
2025-2026 Federal Changes
New federal restrictions redefine hemp by total THC (including THCA). Effective November 12, 2026 - many currently legal products may become controlled substances.
Federal Regulatory Agencies
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oversees the national hemp program, licensing, and production standards
- Administers the USDA Hemp Program
- Sets testing and sampling requirements
- Maintains producer licensing database
- Coordinates with state hemp programs
Food and Drug Administration
Regulates hemp-derived products in food, supplements, and cosmetics
- CBD not approved for food/beverages
- Oversees product safety claims
- Enforces labeling requirements
- Reviews new dietary ingredients
Drug Enforcement Administration
Enforces controlled substances laws and hemp THC compliance
- Removed hemp from Schedule I (2018)
- Monitors THC threshold compliance
- Enforces synthetic cannabinoid rules
- Coordinates with state agencies
Important: Upcoming Federal Changes (November 2026)
New federal regulations will redefine hemp based on total THC (including THCA), not just delta-9 THC. This change, effective November 12, 2026, may reclassify many currently legal products as controlled substances. Vendors and consumers should monitor regulatory updates closely.
State-by-State Regulations
Hemp regulations vary significantly by state. Select a state below to view specific requirements for hemp delivery operations in that jurisdiction.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is current as of the dates indicated. Regulations change frequently. Always consult with qualified legal counsel and verify current requirements with official state regulatory agencies before operating in any jurisdiction.
Compliance Resources
Access official regulatory resources, compliance checklists, and industry guidance to help maintain hemp compliance.
Federal Resources
Official federal regulatory guidance and programs.
Testing & Certification
Lab testing standards and certification resources.
Industry Associations
Hemp industry organizations and advocacy groups.
Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your hemp delivery operations meet regulatory requirements. This is a general guide—always verify specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
Vendor Requirements
- ☐Verify state hemp processor/manufacturer license
- ☐Confirm license is current and not expired
- ☐Obtain Certificate of Analysis (COA) for all products
- ☐Verify COA is from ISO 17025 accredited lab
- ☐Confirm THC levels are ≤0.3% delta-9 THC
- ☐Review product labeling for state compliance
Platform Operations
- ☐Implement 21+ age verification system
- ☐Register with state agencies where required
- ☐Maintain product liability insurance
- ☐Establish COA documentation storage system
- ☐Create vendor compliance audit process
- ☐Monitor regulatory updates in operating states
Product Compliance
- ☐Verify child-resistant packaging where required
- ☐Confirm QR codes link to valid COAs
- ☐Check labeling meets state requirements
- ☐Review ingredient lists for compliance
- ☐Confirm no prohibited health claims
- ☐Verify batch tracking documentation
Questions About Hemp Compliance?
Our compliance team is available to answer questions from vendors, regulators, and other stakeholders about HempDash's compliance practices. For general regulatory questions, we recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel or contacting your state's department of agriculture directly.
Regulatory Information Updates
Hemp regulations are evolving rapidly. This page is updated regularly, but information may not reflect the most recent changes. Last comprehensive review: December 2025. For the most current requirements, always consult official state and federal regulatory sources linked above.