Last Updated: May 2026 | Astria Farm Educational Series
The 2018 Farm Bill is the federal legislation that legalized hemp in the United States by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. For hemp buyers, it is the legal foundation that makes it possible to purchase hemp-derived products — including CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9 THC, and THCA — online and have them shipped to your door.
Here is what every hemp consumer should understand about it.
What Is the 2018 Farm Bill?
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 — signed into law in December 2018 — made several significant changes to federal agriculture policy. The most impactful for the hemp industry was the reclassification of hemp as an agricultural commodity rather than a controlled substance.
Under the law, hemp is defined as the Cannabis sativa L. plant and any part of that plant, with a Delta-9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Anything above that threshold is still classified as a controlled substance under federal law.
The 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight threshold is the legal dividing line between federally legal hemp and federally controlled cannabis.
What Did It Change?
- Removed hemp from the federal Schedule I Controlled Substances list
- Allowed interstate commerce of hemp and hemp-derived products
- Opened the door for hemp-derived CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9, THCA, and other cannabinoid products
- Established the USDA as the primary regulatory authority for hemp cultivation
- Allowed hemp farmers to access crop insurance and federal agricultural programs
Why It Matters for Hemp Buyers
The 2018 Farm Bill is why you can legally order hemp products online and have them shipped to your home. It is why brands like Astria Farm can operate legally, ship products across state lines, and sell THCA flower, Delta-9 gummies, nano edibles, and more.
It also established the importance of third-party lab testing — because the law ties legality to THC concentration, buyers and sellers alike need verified COAs to confirm compliance.
Important Caveats
Federal law permits hemp-derived products under the Farm Bill threshold. However, state laws vary. Some states have restricted or banned certain hemp-derived cannabinoids even when federally compliant. Additionally, the FDA has separate regulations around hemp-derived CBD as a food additive or supplement, which continues to evolve.
Always check your state’s current regulations before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2018 Farm Bill expire?
Farm Bills are typically renewed every five years. A new version was being negotiated through 2024-2025. Check current federal agricultural policy for the latest status.
Does the Farm Bill make all hemp products legal in every state?
No. Federal law permits compliant hemp products, but states have the authority to pass their own restrictions. Some states have enacted additional regulations.
How do I know if a hemp product is Farm Bill compliant?
Look for a third-party Certificate of Analysis confirming Delta-9 THC is at or below 0.3% by dry weight. Astria Farm provides COAs for every product.