Comment Period Begins Friday for Missouri Hemp Growers

(Farmington) Missourians can begin submitting public comments Friday on proposed rules regulating the licensing of hemp producers in the state.

However, the proposal is already available on Missouri’s Department of Agriculture website for anyone to review.

Department of Ag Communications director Sami Jo Freeman says the new rules are because of changes in state and federal law.

Freeman says while the plan is to begin taking applications shortly after the month-long comment period ends, Missouri still needs USDA approval before going forward.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture anticipates issuing hemp growing permits sometime this winter, once receiving USDA approval.