States Stick with Pilot Programs, Colorado University Gets Research Funding: Week in Review

So far, 10 states have chosen to extend their 2014 Farm Bill pilot programs instead of leaping into new USDA regulations.

Adobe Stock 122551231 Andris Tkachenko
Andris Tkachenko | Adobe Stock

This week, a research center at Colorado State University has received a $1.5 million donation to fund hemp research on the formulation of cannabinoids, separation efficiencies, efficacy testing and more. Meanwhile, a growing number of states are opting to retain their pilot hemp programs under the 2014 Farm Bill in anticipation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) changing some of its most contentious rules.

Here are the week’s top headlines you might have missed.

  • National: Approvals of state hemp programs for the 2020 growing season are well underway, with a dozen state plans under USDA review and six approved so far. But a growing number of states are taking advantage of their pilot program extensions with the hopes of the USDA changing some of its rules. Read more

  • Colorado: A research center at Colorado State University has received a $1.5 million donation from a Golden-based company that produces cannabinol (CBD) products. The donation will be used to purchase equipment, cover operating costs and fund research into cannabinoids, separation efficiencies and more. Read more 

  • Hawaii: Hawaii’s lawmakers have introduced dozens of cannabis-related bills this week, including two that would extend the state’s hemp pilot program into permanency and one regarding the labeling and sale of hemp products. Read more

  • Montana: About 70 neighboring farmers in Montana have banded together to form the Bitterroot Hemp Cooperative in western Montana to learn from one another—and 2019 turned out to be a major year for lessons. Read more

  • Nevada: Tahoe Hemp LLC has filed a lawsuit against Carson City, Nev., after the city attempted to block the company from growing hemp on property owned by the city. Tahoe Hemp is accusing Carson City of breaching a contract with the property’s former owner. Read more

  • Oklahoma: The Cherokee Nation, one of the largest tribes in the U.S., has formed a work group to study various facets, potential benefits and possible legalization of hemp and cannabis. Read more

  • Virginia: U.S. senators are calling for the USDA to expedite Virginia’s plan to regulate hemp production so the General Assembly can update its laws and address any potential deficiencies that may arise following USDA review before the session adjourns March 2020. Read more

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