The 2018 Farm Bill

For nearly 80 years, hemp was grouped with marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. This was a case of mistaken identity that cost American farmers dearly.

The 1937 Tax Act

In 1937, the "Marihuana Tax Act" effectively banned the cultivation of cannabis in the US. Despite a brief "Hemp for Victory" campaign during WWII (where farmers like Laura's grandfather were encouraged to grow it for ropes), the plant was largely illegal.

The 2014 Pilot Programs

The tide began to turn with the Agricultural Act of 2014. This allowed universities and state departments of agriculture to grow hemp for research purposes. Kentucky led the charge, with Mt. Folly Farm participating in these early pilot programs.

The 2018 Farm Bill (Game Changer)

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 permanently removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.

Key Definition: The bill defined hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

What This Mean for You?

1. Legal Access: You can legally buy and possess hemp-derived CBD products in most of the US.
2. Interstate Commerce: Farmers can transport hemp across state lines.
3. Insurance: Hemp farmers can now access crop insurance and banking services, stabilizing the industry.

While regulations continue to evolve (especially around FDA approval for food/supplements), the 2018 Farm Bill was the watershed moment that allowed us to bring Laura's Mercantile to life.