Jenniffer González announces federal approval for hemp production in Puerto Rico

Press Release

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Puerto Rico's plan for the production of hemp or hemp under the Production of Domestic Hemp from the United States.

This approval comes after Congress passes the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, where the USDA was ordered to develop a regulatory oversight program for hemp and includes provisions for the USDA to approve hemp production plans. presented by the native states and tribes.

On October 31, 2019, USDA issued an interim final rule establishing the United States Domestic Hemp Production Program and provisions for USDA to approve the plans submitted. State plans provide details on practices and procedures that allow hemp growers in their jurisdictions to operate in accordance with their individual plans and in accordance with federal law.

The USDA approved Puerto Rico plan will be published later, along with other authorized plans on the following page: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp/state-and-tribal-plan- review

When the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Law was approved in Congress, González Colón explained one of the programs included in the law that would expand the authorization of the cultivation of industrial Cannabis (hemp) in state universities and Departments of Agriculture to Puerto Rico.

On that occasion he explained that cultivation would have to be for research reasons or as part of a pilot agriculture program. Industrial Cannabis is recognized for its economic viability. It has several uses that include providing material for clothing, shoes, products for hygienic use, such as soap and creams, among others. However, so far, this benefit is available to the states, excluding Puerto Rico. This change will allow advanced education institutions on the island to participate and investigate the viability and uses of industrial Cannabis on the island.

The commissioner has also filed legislation to prevent discrimination against cannabis workers alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) And Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), And Democratic Caucus Vice President Katherine Clark (D-Mass. ).

In the House version, HR 5477 would prohibit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying VA-backed housing loans to veterans based on their employment in their state's legal cannabis industry.

Cannabis is currently considered illegal under federal law, although 48 states, including Massachusetts, have laws that allow or decriminalize marijuana or marijuana-based products. Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other territories have similar laws. Veterans have been found working in the legal cannabis industry in every state.

Eligible veterans can receive a mortgage loan partially guaranteed by the VA. However, as a result of federal law, the VA may deny housing loans to veterans whose verified income is earned by working in their state's legal cannabis industry. This legislation seeks to correct this.

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