The recent initiative in Washington (I-502) allowing for the production and consumption of recreational marijuana has added momentum to efforts to legalize industrial hemp production in Washington. Several states have already legalized industrial hemp production, and others have authorized production for research purposes.

Despite recent changes in state laws, industrial hemp is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal drug policy, and as such is regulated by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This puts federal law and laws in states allowing industrial hemp production in potential conflict. However, the 2014 Farm Bill does have language authorizing industrial hemp research at land grant universities and by state departments of agriculture; thus it appears likely that industrial hemp production for research purposes will not be in violation of federal regulations.