Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 3/21/21

Introduction
In January 2021 the USDA published the final hemp rule that regulates hemp production, and is set to become effective on March 22, 2021. There were a number of significant updates in the final rule. You can read more about them here.
Under federal law, hemp pilot programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill are allowed to continue until January 2022. So for the 2021 growing season, license holders in NC can continue to operate under their current license. However, it is still not certain what will happen after this date.
The USDA’s final rule permits states and tribal nations to proceed along one of two paths:
• Submit a state or tribal plan to the USDA for approval. In this case, the NCDA&CS would still be responsible for regulating hemp production in NC
OR
• Tell the USDA that they do not intend to submit a state or tribal plan, in which case growers from that state or tribal nation may apply to USDA directly for a license
Issue: NCDA&CS is not able to submit a state plan

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