Government approves industrial hemp-growing rules in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Industrial hemp-growing regulations in Wyoming were approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture after producers expressed concerns about missing the upcoming growing season.

While industrial hemp was legalized by the state about a year ago, producers were unable to grow the non-psychoactive strain of the cannabis plant until they received approval from the federal department, the Casper Star-Tribune reported Monday.

Wyoming lawmakers were forced to rework and refile their plan last month to be in compliance with federal regulations after an original plan was submitted in April 2019 and denied because of delays at the federal level.

Some investors argued the state could have missed out on tens of millions of dollars in revenue for this year's crop if the plan was denied again.

"This is a brand new crop with inherent risks and a challenging regulatory structure so we encourage producers and processors to look closely at the rules and regulations if they choose to attempt growing or processing hemp in 2020," department Director Doug Miyamoto said. "With that said, we are excited to get this program off the ground and to start a hemp industry in Wyoming."