Kim Reynolds Signs the Iowa Hemp Act

DES MOINES, Iowa – On Monday afternoon, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 599, the Iowa Hemp Act, a bill that allows the production of some hemp-derived products in the state as they are approved by the federal government.

“I approve this Senate File to allow Iowa to begin the process of entering a new agricultural marketplace for hemp. But Iowans should be aware that this bill does not legalize the sale or manufacturing of all hemp-derived products, such as cannabidiol (“CBD”). The retail sale and manufacturing of hemp-derived products (are) still governed by federal law. While the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has approved some hemp-derived food ingredients for human and animal consumption, it has not approved CBD. The FDA has also declared that CBD is not a dietary supplement. State law cannot preempt the federal law, and Iowans engaging in the manufacture, sale, or purchase of hemp-derived products should carefully consider the legality of their actions under Iowa and federal law. And Iowans should be aware that nearly all of the provisions of this bill will not go into effect until the federal government approves our state hemp plan,” she stated.

Reynolds noted that the state would have to monitor and update the law as needed. “As federal regulatory bodies approve additional hemp-derived products and the hemp industry evolves, it is imperative that our state agencies and the Iowa legislature remain vigilant in evaluating the effects of this legislation and the need for additional changes to ensure that our laws protect the health and safety of all Iowans,” she said.

The final version of SF 599 passed in the Iowa Senate 49 to 1 on April 24th and 95 to 3 in the Iowa House on April 23rd. The bill authorizes the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to submit a state plan to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for approval under the federal hemp law. Upon approval of the plan, the Department will oversee the implementation of the law and issue licenses for the hemp production in the state.

Upon federal approval, the law approves planting and harvesting hemp on a parcel of land that is no more than 40 acres and would allow for the production of hemp-derived products such as cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, particle board, plastic, hemp seed, seed meal, or seed oil.