NOTICE: Important Update for Oregon Hemp Vendors
Starting July 1, 2024, all hemp retailers and wholesalers in Oregon who store, transfer, or sell industrial hemp or hemp items for resale must obtain a hemp vendor license from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) under the new regulation OAR 603-048-0175. This new requirement aligns with the ODA’s existing Food Safety and Weights and Measures licensing cycle to streamline the process for businesses needing multiple licenses.
License Details:
Cost: $100 annually
Validity Period: July 1 – June 30 each year
The Hemp Vendor Application is found here.
Reasons for the new vendor license include:
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures businesses storing, transferring, or selling hemp products comply with state regulations. The license requires vendors to maintain specific records regarding the sale and distribution of hemp items.
Product Tracking and Traceability: Compliance with House Bill 3000, the license enables regulatory agencies to track hemp products throughout the supply chain. Traceability is essential for monitoring the movement of hemp items from cultivation to retail, allowing authorities to identify any discrepancies or non-compliance.
Consumer Protection: Ensures consumers can trust they are purchasing hemp products from reputable sources.
The ODA plans to take a phased approach to enforcing this new licensing requirement. To ease the transition to the new vendor license, the initial focus will be outreach and education to help businesses transition smoothly to the new requirements. For first-time compliance issues, no enforcement actions will be taken. This leniency acknowledges the adjustment period needed for compliance. However, if a business is aware of the licensing requirement and repeatedly fails to comply, the ODA can enforce the regulations. This phased approach ensures a fair and transparent process while supporting businesses in meeting the new standards.
What This Means for Hemp Vendors:
If you’re a hemp vendor in Oregon, applying for your vendor license is crucial to continue your operations without disruption. Ensure your records are current and comply with the new ODA regulations.
If you want more information or help with licensing, call EARTH Law, LLC at 541-632-3946. We can guide you through these changes and help you comply with all regulatory requirements.
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