Utah Passes Legislation to Create Commercial Hemp Industry and Regulate CBD Products

The Utah Legislature voted to create a commercial hemp industry by unanimously passing the Hemp and Cannabinoid Act Amendments. The bill will be presented by Governor Herbert, and it will become law upon his signature. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture and Food to establish a licensing and oversight program for a commercial hemp industry. Like the 2018 Farm Bill, the legislation prohibits a person who has been convicted of a drug related felony from obtaining a license.

The Department is also directed to adopt rules that govern the registration and sale of CBD products in Utah including testing and labeling requirements. Although the Department will be responsible for overseeing this market, the amendment removes the Department’s authority to seize and destroy non-registered CBD products.