Since the 2018 Farm Bill reclassified hemp as an industrial commodity, the hemp industry has grown exponentially. However, ever-changing state and federal laws present significant challenges to hemp and CBD businesses. The best way to navigate this shifting terrain is to consult with an experienced hemp lawyer.
At Hughes Law, we are dedicated to fostering the development of the hemp industry nationwide. Founding attorney Michael R. Hughes is not your typical lawyer. He’s a pioneering hemp and cannabis farmer who has applied his legal knowledge and field experience to advocate for the legalization of hemp in Oregon and throughout the U.S.
Whether you are seeking a permit to grow hemp, forming a hemp business, or investing in hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) products, you need the informed representation we provide. When you become our client, you can rest assured that we will protect your interests and help you achieve your objectives in the hemp/CBD industry. Please contact our office today for a consultation.
A Brief History of Hemp
Hemp’s durable fibers can be used to manufacture a variety of commercial and industrial products, including rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and paper. Hemp has been cultivated for centuries, dating back to the ancient Greeks, and the plant was a legal crop in the United States until the 20th century.
The Marihuana Act of 1937 made cannabis illegal and imposed an excise tax on hemp sales for medical and industrial uses. In 1970, the federal government stopped issuing permits to grow hemp, holding it was derived from the same cannabis plant that was banned under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The Agricultural Act (Farm Bill) of 2014 allowed hemp on an experimental basis, and Michael Hughes was one of the first farmers in the U.S. to produce hemp under the measure. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp (Cannabis sativa L) with a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of not more than 0.3 percent was removed from the definition of marijuana under the CSA.
Today, hemp’s appeal is partly because it is high in cannabidiol (CBD), which has potential medicinal benefits as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and there are a wide variety of hemp-derived CBD products on the market.
Industrial Hemp Attorney in Deschutes County, Oregon
While today’s hemp industry offers lucrative opportunities, producers, processors, and sellers must contend with a complicated regulatory scheme. The Oregon Department of Agriculture strictly regulates hemp and CBD compliance in the state. Also, the 2018 Farm Bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national framework for hemp production.
Moreover, businesses seeking to buy and sell CBD products should be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that hemp-derived CBD cannot be added to food or dietary supplements because it is already approved for medicinal use. Finally, the Federal Trade Commission oversees labeling requirements for hemp-derived CBD products.
One key concern for farmers is ensuring that the THC concentration is within the 0.3 percent threshold. At this juncture, there are no uniform standards for THC testing, even though the USDA has proposed final rules which should provide much-needed clarity.
For these reasons, hemp businesses must have the advice and guidance of an experienced hemp/CBD lawyer. At Hughes Law, we have in-depth knowledge of the laws governing the sale and production of hemp and related products.
Our hemp lawyer regularly counsels farmers and businesses on a wide-range of hemp-related matters, including:
- Obtaining licenses for cultivating/processing hemp
- Manufacturing, labeling, and distributing hemp products
- Complying with USDA regulations
- Complying with FDA/FTC rules
- Updating clients on developing FDA/USDA rules and regulations
Above all, our experienced Oregon hemp lawyer will work with you to develop a strategy to grow your business while complying with local and federal rules and regulations.
What Sets Hughes Law Apart From the Field
Michael R. Hughes has in-depth knowledge of hemp and the hemp industry. He hails from a family of farmers that once grew hemp and he’s been studying the plant and hemp laws for decades. Attorney Hughes has dedicated his practice to fostering the restoration of the hemp industry throughout the country. He is equally comfortable working the fields or at the bargaining table and brings passion and common sense to each case. His background as a hemp farmer and attorney makes him uniquely qualified to offer comprehensive consulting services to hemp/CBD producers, businesses, and investors.
Contact Our Experienced Oregon Hemp Lawyer Today
If you are considering a hemp venture, turn to Hughes Law. Though hemp is now legal in most states, the licensing process is complicated and a myriad of rules and regulations are governing the production, processing, and sale of hemp and CBD products. Michael Hughes has been instrumental in returning hemp to prominence in the United States and he will work to help you achieve your objectives in the hemp space. Please contact our office today to speak with an experienced hemp/CBD lawyer.