Sho-Ban Tribes Hemp Regulation Code outlined

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes approved a Hemp Regulatory Code in March and the 2018 Farm Bill allows for the Tribes to oversee and regulate hemp production on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.

The Hemp Regulatory Code explains the application, implementation and regulatory framework for growing, producing, manufacturing, processing and selling hemp products within the Fort Hall Reservation boundaries.

Travis Stone, Tribal Land Use Director, said there are three approved licenses to grow hemp on the rez. One is the Tribes Agri-Business Corporation, the second is Patizikivaa Bud Perry and the third is unknown since Stone said he couldn’t provide the information.

On March 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a certificate approving the Tribes to administer a Domestic Hemp Production Program.

Because a compliance officer has not yet been hired, Stone said he and Enoch Houtz have taken the USDA training for compliance and regulatory implementation of the Hemp Code.

To grow hemp on the Fort Hall Rez, one must be over 18, a Shoshone-Bannock tribal member, cannot have a felony related to controlled substance with in 10 years, must meet all federal and Tribal laws related to hemp production including a strict limit of 0.3% THC levels. An application must be submitted to the Tribes Land Use Department and follow all guidelines under the Hemp Regulatory Code (ordinance).

The Tribes does not fall under Idaho State law. The Tribes are the sole authority to regulate hemp production within the Fort Hall Reservation boundaries. All federal laws and regulations have to be complied with.

Stone said only Shoshone-Bannock tribal members  or tribal corporations can be licensed.