The ineligibility of hemp farmers for the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is a setback for the sector.  We’ve seen some flexibility on the part of the USDA with hemp policy, and this week witnessed some flexibility in CFAP eligibility criteria, as discussed in yesterday’s commentary.  Perhaps they will reconsider with appropriate political pressure, which is not an unreasonable expectation.  In fact, today’s political climate makes it far more likely that hemp will advance on a policy level. 

More importantly, the bleak fiscal landscape will be the key driver for policy advances both in hemp and MJ.   Governments at all levels will be facing major revenue shortages this year, forcing some municipalities into bankruptcy.  States are looking at billions in shortfalls, with no viable options from typical revenue sources. …