Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the farming and distribution of industrial hemp.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to establish conditions for the growing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes (Sec. 1).

• Defines “industrial hemp” as all parts and varieties of the plant cannabis sativa cultivated and possessed by a licensed grower that contains a THC concentration within the limits allowed by federal law (Sec. 1).

• Requires individuals seeking to grow industrial hemp to apply annually to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for a license (Sec. 2).

• Requires license applicants to undergo a state or national criminal history check and inform the Kentucky Department of Agriculture if they have ever been convicted of felony or misdemeanor (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits the Kentucky Department of Agriculture from issuing a license to any applicant with a felony drug conviction within 10 years of applying for the license (Sec. 2).

• Requires licensed individuals to meet the following conditions, but not limited to (Secs. 2 & 3):
• Plant a minimum of 10 acres of industrial hemp;
• Retain hemp production and sales records for at least 3 years;
• Allow the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and law enforcement personnel to inspect industrial hemp crops at any time throughout production;
• Provide GPS coordinates and a description of where the hemp will be grown;
• Inform the Department of Agriculture of any and all sales contracts; and
• Provide the Department of Agriculture with the names and addresses of any individuals to which industrial hemp is sold or distributed.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to monitor registered industrial hemp fields and randomly test industrial hemp for compliance with THC levels (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that if any part of this bill conflicts with federal law, the federal provision takes precedence (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text