What the 2018 Farm Bill Means for Your Hemp Business

Learn how the 2018 Farm Bill changed the legal status of hemp—and how to secure payment processing, funding, and marketing support for your business

If you’re in the hemp or CBD business, you’ve likely heard about the 2018 Farm Bill—the landmark legislation that set the modern hemp industry in motion. But what exactly did it do, and why does it still matter for your business today?

At Green Financial Service, we specialize in helping hemp, CBD, and other high-risk businesses navigate the financial challenges that come with operating in this evolving legal environment. Let’s break down what the 2018 Farm Bill really means for hemp business owners—and how we help you take full advantage of it.

What Did the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill Do?

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, federally legalized hemp production in the United States. Here’s what changed:

  • Removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act – As long as the THC content is no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, hemp is no longer considered a controlled substance.
  • Authorized interstate commerce of hemp – Businesses can legally ship hemp and hemp-derived products across state lines.
  • Allowed for hemp cultivation under USDA regulation – Farmers can now grow hemp under federally approved programs.

This opened the door for CBD products, hemp-derived cannabinoids (like THCA and THCP), and other legal hemp supplements to enter the market—creating a massive opportunity for retailers, online sellers, and manufacturers.

Why This Still Matters in 2025

Despite the federal legalization, many financial institutions still treat hemp and CBD businesses as high-risk. The result? Business owners often face:

  • Declined applications for merchant accounts
  • Difficulty securing business loans or lines of credit
  • Inability to access traditional marketing platforms
  • Limited payment processing options

That’s where Green Financial Service comes in.

How Green Financial Service Helps Hemp Businesses Thrive

Our merchant accounts are approved even for businesses selling full-spectrum CBD, THCA, THCP, and hemp flower. We offer:

  • Retail, mobile, and ecommerce solutions
  • Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Clickfunnels, and more
  • Virtual terminals and mobile payment apps
  • Near-100% approval rate for legal hemp businesses—even with bad credit

✅ Business Funding You Can Actually Use

While hemp businesses are ineligible for SBA loans, we provide alternative financing options that work:

  • Unsecured lines of credit – Great for day-to-day cash flow
  • Accounts receivable financing (factoring) – Get paid upfront for your invoices
  • Purchase order financing – Fulfill large orders without tying up your capital
  • Equipment financing – Perfect for extraction machines, packaging equipment, and more
  • Commercial real estate loans – For building or expanding your hemp operation

✅ Legal Email and SMS Marketing Services

One of the biggest frustrations for hemp businesses is not being able to run effective email and text marketing campaigns. Through our exclusive partnership with Umbrella, we offer legal and compliant email/SMS marketing services tailored for:

  • Hemp and CBD
  • Kratom and kava bars
  • Legal mushroom and botanical retailers

Looking Ahead: Compliance Is Key

The hemp industry continues to evolve, and regulatory compliance is more important than ever. At Green Financial Service, we work with real, legal businesses that want to grow responsibly. Whether you’re scaling your ecommerce store or expanding your farm’s processing capabilities, we make sure your financial tools are ready to support your growth.

Ready to Grow Your Hemp Business?

Let the 2018 Farm Bill work for you – not against you.

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