Clock is ticking on USDA testing requirement for hemp

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would postpone enforcing a key hemp-testing requirement until December 31, 2025. This announcement delayed enforcement of the requirement requiring laboratories testing hemp for THC concentration to be registered with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The labs would need to be registered as facilities handling controlled substances.

USDA is delaying enforcement of this requirement based on input received from state and tribal governments and third-party cannabis testing facilities that have experienced delays in completing the DEA laboratory registration process. Because of these setbacks in the completion of the DEA process, USDA is concerned there will be inadequate approved hemp laboratory testing capacity for the 2025 growing season. Laboratories testing hemp must comply with all other regulatory requirements. - USDA.gov, November 14, 2024

This marked the second time the requirement had been postponed by a year. Now, with 2026 approaching, there is still no clear indication of whether the rule will take effect as scheduled… or be delayed yet again.

For now, hemp producers and testing labs should assume the requirement will become mandatory on December 31, 2025. Keep checking back at the USDA’s Information for Hemp Testing Laboratories webpage for any updates.

Hemp testing requirements are on track to go into effect December 31, 2025.