Biden’s USDA Secretary Approves Hemp Rules The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) secretary, Tom Vilsack, has approved a federal rule outlining the hemp industry regulations. After more than two years following the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, the rule — released in January — is poised to take effect on March 22. “As part of the transition to the new Administration, the final rule was under additional review by the Department,” USDA head Bill Richmond said. Richmond oversees the USDA’s Domestic Hemp Production Program. “The rule has now been cleared by Secretary Vilsack to move forward as published in the Federal Register,” Richmond added.