As we’ve already established, Idaho is perhaps the least hemp-friendly state in the USA. They were the last state in the country to finally legalize industrial hemp, and that only happened a few months ago. Nonetheless, it’s a progressive move that has ignited a new sense of hope for the Gem State.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp on a federal level, it didn’t provide clarity regarding the status of CBD oil. Moreover, while many states did opt to align state law with federal law rather imminently, they were not required to. Each state is free to implement its own rules and regulations and could decide to legalize the growth and cultivation of hemp if it wanted to.
As per the Bill, any state wishing to allow the commercial growth of hemp must have its plans approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Since Idaho is a little late to the party in this regard, they are still in the process of establishing a hemp program. The latest reports claim that the state hopes to submit its hemp plans to the USDA by September.
According to The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), if things stay on track, the state could begin accepting license applications by the middle of October. The goal is for planting to begin in Spring 2022. Here are the proposed fees according to draft rules:
- Growers: $100 application fee, $500 for an annual license and $250 per lot for inspection
- Processors: $1000 for a license and $500 for an annual inspection
Fortunately, although we’re still waiting for hemp cultivation to begin in the state, CBD products are available to purchase at various stores. Typically, CBD oil in Idaho can be found in vape stores, head shops, and natural health retailers.