Substitute Senate Bill No. 893 - Hemp Production Pilot Program

• Establishes an agricultural pilot program under the Commissioner of Agriculture to study cultivation, processing, and marketing of hemp with THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% by dry weight.

• Requires growers and processors to obtain licenses from the Commissioner of Agriculture and manufacturers to obtain licenses from the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, with biennial licensing fees of $50-$250.

• Mandates pre-harvest THC testing by licensed laboratories at applicant expense, with samples failing if THC concentration exceeds 0.3%; violating crops must be destroyed or disposed of.

• Prohibits health or medical benefit claims in advertising or labeling of hemp consumables and designates violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices.

• Requires applicants for grower licenses to pass criminal background checks, prohibits felons from obtaining licenses, and establishes administrative penalties up to $2,500 for violations.