By Scout Nelson
New federal hemp regulations included in the recent continuing resolution bring notable changes for growers across the country. These rules also affect North Dakota hemp producers, although the impact is less severe than in many other states because North Dakota already has strict guidelines in place.
The federal update narrows the definition of hemp. Under the new rules, any cannabinoid that the hemp plant does not naturally produce is no longer considered legal hemp.
Cannabinoids made by chemically converting hemp-derived CBD into other forms are also restricted. In addition, the law sets strict “total THC” limits and includes a cap of 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container for finished products.
These rules aim to reduce intoxicating hemp products such as delta-8 THC and similar cannabinoids that have become common in many markets.
Since these compounds are often created through chemical conversion, they fall outside the new definition of legal hemp. At the federal level, this will remove most delta-8 and similar products from legal commercial sale.
North Dakota growers, however, already follow tighter state rules. The state bans delta-8 and other psychotropic cannabinoids and prohibits converting CBD into THC isomers.
Because of this, many North Dakota growers already operate under conditions similar to the new federal rules, giving them less regulatory adjustment compared to growers in other states.
Even so, the new federal guidelines will still affect businesses involved in interstate commerce. Growers and processors who ship hemp products across state lines must meet the federal definition and THC limits, even if their products meet North Dakota’s existing standards.
This means cannabinoid-focused businesses may need to review their product lines and processing methods to remain compliant.
Producers who grow hemp for fiber and grain face fewer changes because their products are not typically used to make cannabinoids. These growers may see little impact on daily operations, allowing their production to continue largely unchanged.
Overall, the new rules create a more uniform national standard while continuing to support hemp products that remain within safe and legal limits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: North Dakota, General