Maine Legislative Update - LD 33

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry sent this bulletin at 03/08/2021 02:39 PM EST

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Hemp

Maine Legislative Update - LD 33

LD 33, An Act to Improve the Laws Governing Hemp By Bringing Them into Compliance with Federal Law, is proposed in order to make the necessary changes to Maine statutes so that DACF’s hemp licensing program can come into full compliance with the USDA’s Final Rule for Hemp. If the current licensing program comes into compliance:

  • Maine hemp can be sold and transported throughout the US.
  • Growers can expect to have greater access to federal farm assistance programs.
  • Growers can expect to have greater access to financial institutions for banking, loans and insurance.
  • DACF approves producer’s corrective action plans, not USDA.
  • DACF continues providing services such as inspections, IPM assistance, educational programming, and advocacy to help build the industry.

However, note that the program must be able to support itself through fees. Further, some of the statutory changes to come into compliance would change current law, for example, the prohibition from hemp licensing for 10 years of those with felony drug convictions.

Not having a Maine hemp licensing program is also an option being considered by the legislature's Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF Committee). If Maine no longer had a hemp program, growers would be able to apply directly to USDA for a license and:

  • Maine hemp can be sold and transported throughout the US.
  • Growers can expect to have greater access to federal farm assistance programs.
  • Growers can expect to have greater access to financial institutions for banking, loans, and insurance.
  • USDA currently does not have licensing fees. However, growers would have to pay for USDA-trained contract inspectors to sample all hemp lots and growers must pay for the THC tests. 

The ACF Committee met on February 23 and decided to table the bill, which will allow more time for hemp growers to communicate with committee members or your legislators. To access information and testimony about LD 33 visit the ACF Committee webpage. Contact information for committee members can be found at the bottom of this committee webpage. To contact your legislator please visit the legislator webpage.

Stay well.

Mary

Mary Yurlina
Hemp Program Manager
207-441-1643