Rhode Island’s industrial hemp regulations become effective on October 9th, which will allow the cultivation of industrial hemp for use in manufacturing hemp products including those for human consumption. Rhode Island is rushing along with other states to implement industrial hemp cultivation and production facilities, and garner an increasing market for hemp products including CBD human and pet products. In some states, CBD produced from industrial hemp may be sold outside of a licensed dispensary.
On October 9, applications for grower or handler licenses can be submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. Growers must obtain a separate license for each noncontiguous parcel on which industrial hemp will be cultivated.
The regulations are similar to those that are currently being considered by Oregon, and set forth a regulatory framework for the growing, testing, and tracking of industrial hemp from seed to consumption. The DBR will participate in the sampling of industrial hemp prior to harvest or production. The sample must be tested by an approved testing facility for compliance with the maximum 0.3% THC level. Industrial hemp that is intended for human consumption is subject to additional testing and packaging/labeling requirements.