《2018年农业改进法案》（即2018年农业法案）通过将大麻及其衍生物从《管制物质法案》中定义的大麻范畴中移除，并为大麻种植提供详细框架，从而实现了大麻合法化。该法案赋予美国农业部（USDA）对联邦层面大麻种植的监管权。 各州可选择向美国农业部提交计划，从而保留对其辖区内种植作物的主要监管权。
联邦与州层面的相互作用已促使各州出台多项立法和监管改革。事实上，多数州已提出（并通过）法案，授权在本州境内进行工业大麻的商业化生产。此外，虽数量较少但呈增长趋势的州也开始对工业大麻衍生产品的销售实施监管。
In light of the rapidly evolving legislative changes, we are also presenting a 50-state series analyzing how each jurisdiction treats hemp-derived cannabidiol (Hemp CBD). Today we turn to Puerto Rico. (Under Section 297A(4) of the 2018 Farm Bill, the term “state” is defined to include Puerto Rico.)
According to information published in Crónicas, Puerto Rico’s Office for Licensing and Inspection of Hemp (OLIC; part of the Department of Agriculture (PRDA)) is set to unveil the island’s proposed state plan for hemp production at Puerto Rico HempBiz, an upcoming industry event.
Puerto Rico is banking on hemp to bring much-needed good news on the economic front. As OLIC points out, given its climate, Puerto Rico could have three growing seasons each year. OLIC’s director estimates that hemp production “could represent about 100 to 150 million dollars for the treasury”.
Puerto Rico started issuing licenses to hemp producers in September 2019 as part of a pilot program. Under the program, crops are limited to ten cuerdas (9.71 acres). Once the state plan is approved by USDA, PRDA estimates that at least 10,000 cuerdas (9,710 acres) will be used for hemp cultivation.
With many public events being cancelled over COVID-19 concerns, it remains to be seen if Puerto Rico HempBiz takes place as scheduled, from April 2-3. Hopefully, OLIC will in any case present its proposed state plan no later than those dates.
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