California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to bring the state’s hemp laws into compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.
The measure, which was signed Saturday and will take effect Jan. 1, updates the state’s definition of industrial hemp and terminology to match the federal language.
It also requires the California Department of Food and Agriculture to develop and submit a hemp regulation plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before May 1, 2020.
The USDA has 60 days to approve or deny the plan, which can be resubmitted if changes are required.
Once the state plan is approved, California will adopt expanded registration and regulatory requirements for cultivators and implement consequences for rule violations.
Read the full text of the bill here.
