Hemp News in Wyoming: Locals Arrested For Growing Hemp Without a Liscense

The 2018 Farm Bill cleared the way for hemp to be grown nationwide. However, this does not mean you can grow hemp in any state and it certainly does not mean you can grow hemp without a license and some caution. This is because hemp must be below .03% THC or you risk the destruction of your crop, or in the case of Debra and Joshua Egle–being arrested for intent to grow and distribute marijuana. But first, let’s explore the legality of high CBD hemp in Wyoming where this arrest took place

What Are the Hemp Laws in Wyoming?

Like most states, hemp is legal to grow in Wyoming. As of March 2019 when Governor Mark Gordon signed HB0171/ HEA No. 0110 into law the cultivation and sales of hemp and CBD oil are legal in the state of Wyoming under state supervision. This means having a license. So why did the Egles get arrested for possession of 700lbs of hemp?  

The Case Against the Wyoming Hemp Farmers

Acting on a tip DCI raided the Egles farm in November 2019. They found 700lbs of hemp. Two things worked against the Egles which led prosecutors to seek charges of conspiracy to manufacture, deliver or possess marijuana; possession with intent to deliver marijuana; possession of marijuana and planting, or cultivating marijuana. The first was they hemp contained .06% THC. The second is the Egles did not have a license to grow hemp. Ultimately the judge tossed out the charges against the Egles stating it was clear the mother and son team were intending to grow hemp, not marijuana. However, they could still face a $750 fine for growing hemp without a license. 

This story has a somewhat happy ending for the Egles but should be used as a cautionary tale. Growing hemp in any state comes with a lot of responsibility and should be done to the letter of the law. Otherwise, perfectly law-abiding hemp farmers could find themselves slapped with hefty fines or worse–jail time.  

If you have any questions about the legality of hemp in your state–contact us at CBD Seed Co. We do business in every state where hemp is legal in the US and can help you navigate the sometimes tricky hemp regulations.