Hemp Law in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Posted by JJ's Hemp Dispensary on 9th Mar 2023
With the growing popularity of CBD and other hemp-derived products, it's important to understand the laws surrounding hemp in your state. In Pennsylvania, specific rules govern the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp products. In this blog post, we will explore the hemp law in Pennsylvania and what it means for online dispensaries in the state.
Hemp Law in Pennsylvania
In 2016, Pennsylvania passed the Industrial Hemp Research Act, which legalized the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp for research purposes. This act allowed universities and individuals to obtain permits to grow and study industrial hemp. In 2018, the federal government passed the Agricultural Improvement Act, also known as the Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the list of controlled substances and made it legal to grow and process hemp on a federal level.
In 2019, Pennsylvania updated its hemp law to align with federal law. The new law removed hemp from the state's list of controlled substances and established a licensing program for hemp growers and processors. Under this law, individuals and businesses can obtain licenses to grow, process, and sell hemp products.
Online Dispensaries in PA
Online dispensaries in Pennsylvania are subject to the same laws and regulations as brick-and-mortar dispensaries. Online dispensaries must obtain licenses and permits to sell hemp products in the state. In addition, online dispensaries must comply with the labeling and testing requirements for hemp products.
One of the advantages of purchasing hemp products from an online dispensary is the convenience of shopping from home. However, it's essential to research and ensures that the online dispensary is reputable and compliant with state and federal laws. JJ's Hemp Dispensary is proud to be one of these online dispensaries.
Pennsylvania Hemp Law and Hemp Products
Pennsylvania's hemp law defines hemp as any part of the cannabis plant with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. This includes the plant's seeds, fibers, and extracts. Hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil, are legal in Pennsylvania if they meet specific requirements.
One of the requirements for hemp-derived products is the derivation from hemp grown by a licensed grower. In addition, testing for products must be done through a state-approved lab to ensure that it contains less than 0.3% THC and is free from harmful contaminants.
Hemp-derived products need an appropriate label with information about the product's CBD content, the amount of THC in the product, and any other ingredients or additives. Therefore, consumers need to read and understand the product labels before purchasing.
Impact of Hemp Law on Pennsylvania's Economy
The legalization of hemp in Pennsylvania has positively impacted the state's economy. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 324 hemp permits were issued in the state in 2020, up from 324 permits in 2019. The report also states that the total acreage of hemp grown in the state increased from 4,059 acres in 2019 to 5,250 acres in 2020.
Pennsylvania's hemp industry's growth has also created new jobs and business opportunities. In addition to farmers and processors, retail stores and online dispensaries now specialize in selling hemp-derived products.
Conclusion
Hemp law in Pennsylvania has come a long way since the legalization of industrial hemp for research purposes in 2016. Individuals and businesses can obtain licenses to grow, process, and sell hemp products in the state. Online dispensaries are subject to the same laws and regulations as brick-and-mortar dispensaries. Consumers must research and ensure the online dispensary is reputable and compliant with state and federal regulations.