In a landmark decision that has completely changed the face of the United States drug policy and agriculture system, the House of Representatives and the Senate have finally reached an agreement about the production of industrial-grade hemp. Overall, the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2) will offer widespread provisions that will completely remove the ban on this variety of marijuana, fully allow the production and research of this plant, and make big changes to the Controlled Substances Act. Even more interesting, the updated Farm Bill will also instigate the regulation (federal level) of cannabidiol (CBD) oil derived from the hemp plant. For the average consumer, this new act ensures a higher product quality and more consistency in the wake of confusion over the legalization of this little green plant. Let’s take a closer look at this historic moment and find out more.

100-Year Wait Is Over

For a while now, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has continuously shown antagonism toward the legalization of marijuana. However, in his activities in Congress, he has shown nothing but total devotion to the hemp plant, which he considers an entirely different product altogether. According to McConnell, marijuana is a notorious cousin to hemp which should not be embraced by the public.

Back in 2014, the Republican senator (one of the longest-serving in U.S. history) fought hard to add hemp (and related products) provisions, involving cultivation and research programs not sponsored by the federal government, to the Farm Bill. As of now, multiple states have adopted these programs for their benefit.

Big Changes to the Controlled Substances Act

Interestingly, the new Farm Bill clearly labels hemp as a supplemental, alternative crop and has permitted federal agencies to investigate how viable the plant’s sales and production will be. Even more fascinating, the new bill allows hemp to be transported across interstate boundaries.

However, one of the most momentous elements of this new Farm Bill is its focus on amendments to the Controlled Substances Act. Since the 1970s, the little green plant hemp has been labeled as a Schedule-I (controlled) substance. Under the new bill, hemp will no longer be a Schedule-I substance, as long as the plants do not contain any more than 0.3% of THC.

Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.