Pennsylvania hemp program set to expand in 2018
December 13, 2017
Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced plans to greatly expand the number of permits awarded under the Commonwealth’s Industrial hemp Research Act (Act 92) as well as the total acreage that will be available for cultivation.
Act 92 was first signed into law on July 20, 2016, but the program limited participation to 30 growers, each of whom could grow no more than five acres of industrial hemp. In 2018, the Commonwealth will issue 50 additional grower permits and increase the total acreage to 100 acres apiece — meaning Pennsylvania’s 2018 industrial hemp crop could cover 5,000 acres or more.
In a press release, Gov. Wolf acknowledged the long history of hemp cultivation in the Keystone State and the need to capitalize on new agricultural opportunities. “Last year was a learning experience for growers and the Department of Agriculture alike, but even with the small-scale research pilot projects of 2017, it was clear there is tremendous enthusiasm among growers. Our expanded program is designed to capitalize on this interest in 2018,” said Wolf.
Interested applicant have until January 19, 2018, to apply for next year’s program and existing growers may opt to renew permits or submit applications for new projects. Permit applications and additional information can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
The Regulated Substances Blog is intended to keep readers current on developments regarding medical cannabis legalization and regulation and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact author Peter Murphy at pmurphy@eckertseamans.com, Daniel Clearfield at dclearfield@eckertseamans.com, or any other member of our Regulated Substances Group.