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).