Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the cultivation, production, possession, and commerce of industrial hemp.
Highlights:
Requires an individual to obtain an “industrial hemp” license from the Department of Agriculture in order to cultivate or produce “industrial hemp” or “industrial hemp” products (Sec. 1).
Defines “industrial hemp” as all parts and varieties of the cannabis sativa plant containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3 percent based on dry weight (Sec. 1).
Specifies that the definition of marijuana does not include industrial hemp (Sec. 1).
Classifies industrial hemp as an agricultural product to be regulated by the department (Sec. 1).
Exempts industrial hemp from classification as a Schedule 1 controlled substance (Sec. 1).
Requires an individual applying for an industrial hemp license to meet certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the following conditions (Sec. 1):
The individual must have an industrial hemp crop of at least 2.5 acres if the individual is applying to cultivate industrial hemp; and
The individual undergoes a fingerprint criminal history background check.
Authorizes the department to inspect or audit an individual with an industrial hemp license upon 3 days’ notice to ensure compliance with the terms of the license, the provisions of this bill, and any other department rules (Sec. 1).
Authorizes the department to inspect an individual’s industrial hemp crop during the crop’s growth phase and take samples of the crop to determine the crop’s tetrahydrocannabinol concentration (Sec. 1).
Specifies that an industrial hemp license is non-transferable and is valid for 3 years (Sec. 1).
Authorizes the department to revoke, refuse to issue, or refuse to renew an industrial hemp license and impose a civil penalty of at least $2,500, but not more than $50,000, for certain violations, including, but not limited to, the following violations (Sec. 1):
A violation of a license term or requirement; or
A violation of a department rule relating to industrial hemp.
Establishes the following fines for an individual cultivating industrial hemp without an industrial hemp license (Sec. 1):
An administrative fine of $500, to be refunded if the individual applies for and receives a license within 30 days; or
An administrative fine of $500 and, if the individual fails to obtain a license within 30 days, an additional fine of $1,000 per day until the individual obtains a license or the individual’s hemp crop is destroyed.