On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the long-awaited interim final rule for the domestic production of hemp. As an interim final rule, it took effect immediately upon publication in the Federal Register on October 31, 2019. The rule allows for domestic hemp to be grown under the USDA program or a federally-approved State or Indian tribe’s plan. States and Indian tribes wishing to have primary regulatory authority over hemp production must submit a plan for approval by USDA that is in compliance with the rule’s requirements. The rule regulates where hemp can be grown,… Read more

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has released a draft final rule on hemp post-harvest processing, extraction, production, transportation, warehousing, and testing. The draft can be found here. NMED is currently accepting comments on the proposed final rule. Comments should be submitted by email to hemp.program@state.nm.us and reference a page and line number. NMED will also hold three public meeting to discuss the proposed final rule. The public meetings will be held on October 29, October 30, and November 5. Details on time and location can be found here. For more information contact Steve O’Day or Vickie Rusek.

On September 26, 2019, the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia will be hosting its Annual Luncheon at which it will announce this year’s winner of the Environmental Law Section’s lifetime achievement award for high achievement, professionalism, and dedication in the area of environmental law.  As part of presenting this year’s award, the Environmental Law Section will name the award after James Bratton who was the founder of the Environmental Law Section of the Georgia Bar, was a partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP for over 50 years and passed away in January 2019 at the… Read more