SBBO Partner John Podvin was part of CHAMP initiative formulating state hemp policy

In 2019 SBBO Partner John Podvin participated in CHAMP (the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan), as a stakeholder for a group focused on Banking and Insurance issues.  CHAMP involved a group of diverse experts who were charged with establishing a comprehensive blueprint for how Colorado will manage and advance the state’s emerging hemp industry.

“It was an honor to participate in the Banking & Insurance Stakeholder Group as part of the CHAMP Initiative,” said Mr. Podvin.  “CHAMP is a strategic, public policy effort that involves Colorado public sector agencies working together with the private sector to create an environment in Colorado where the newly-legalized hemp industry and its associated supply chain can thrive.”

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level but also called for the USDA to regulate hemp farming nationally. While the USDA’s interim rules were announced last October, the Farm Bill also gave states the right to submit their own plans for hemp regulation.

With CHAMP deliberations now completed, on January 29, 2020 Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), in partnership with Attorney General Phil Weiser, submitted the state’s official comment letter to the USDA regarding the Interim Final Rule.  The response broadly supports the loosening of federal hemp regulations.  Colorado’s response was accompanied by a letter of support from the majority of Colorado’s Congressional delegation, as well as a supporting Joint Resolution from the Colorado General Assembly.

Among other comments, Gov. Polis noted: “We want to unleash this industry to grow and innovate. The proposed interim final rule, as currently written, does not support best practices in hemp production at a critical time in the development of this important industry. The recommended changes we’ve put forward will support the hemp industry while establishing appropriate guidelines.”

 

The Colorado State Hemp Plan will soon follow the comments provided to the interim final rule and the USDA will have 60 days to approve Colorado’s plan after it is submitted. The Colorado Department of Agriculture will continue to operate under the current state plan through the 2020 growing season.

To read the press release from the governor’s office and the CDA please click here.

To read the state’s full response to the USDA’s Interim Final Rule, please click here.