Changes in Farm Bill
Until 2014 (and its farm bill of the same year,) hemp was illegal to cultivate. The 2014 Farm Bill allowed small-scale cultivation by farmers or experimental cultivation by research laboratories, with states deciding on the extent of hemp cultivation permitted. However, it did not fully legalize industrial-scale growing, limiting farm sizes. As a result, vendors of hemp-derived products like CBD had to import hemp, raising prices and reducing availability. That all may change now.
Not just CBD users will benefit
If the 2018 Farm Bill becomes law (which is currently progressing towards approval), domestic producers in the United States would be legally allowed to industrially produce hemp. This legalization would likely reduce prices and increase access to most CBD oil products. In addition to allowing hemp to be grown by domestic producers, it would also remove several barriers to their acquisition of banking and crop insurance 2018 Farm Bill.
Those who will NOT benefit
One caveat in the bill is that it would prohibit anyone with a past felony conviction from producing or selling hemp – which is a category that would include anyone who had a drug conviction for *marijuana* or hemp production in the past. Despite this, any other individuals seeking to enter the industrial hemp business would have no legal hurdles to overcome.
Some benefits to include jobs and decreased pricing
As previously mentioned, the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill is likely to reduce prices of hemp products. Since 1998, most hemp products and raw hemp have been imported legally, primarily from China, due to the ban on domestic hemp production in the United States. With the ban lifted, prices of hemp and related products like CBD oils may decrease due to reduced shipping costs and support for local economies through increased domestic cultivation.
This is a lot of information to take in, but let it be very clear that the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, while not perfect, contains many articles that will decrease the cost of CBD products to the American consumer, while also bringing the possibility of cultivation jobs and industry to economies in the middle of the country (like the Midwest and Kentucky) that are capable of profitably growing hemp. Some of these products would include health foods, body care, clothing, auto parts, construction materials, bio fuels, plastic composites and more.
The Bill Has Stalled Once More
Engage Actively
Here at Green Wellness Life we believe that education and awareness is so important regarding hemp and cbd based products. We want to give others the opportunity to learn and try health products that can significantly impact there health and lives. That is why in our next post, I’ll briefly discuss more on voting issues, key senators and players that are both for, and against, the passing of this bill, along with key information for voters should anyone hope to see the farm bill passed and maintained (especially for the benefits it entails).
By Quinton Charles Op-Ed Blogger