HB 7003 Summary

• Revises Connecticut's hemp program to align with federal requirements under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, replacing the pilot program structure with a state plan model approved by the USDA.

• Consolidates separate "grower" and "processor" licenses into a single "producer" license managed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, with triennial (3-year) license terms and updated fee structures ($450 base fee plus $30 per additional acre, capped at $3,000).

• Establishes detailed sampling and testing protocols requiring commissioner-supervised pre-harvest sampling, laboratory testing for THC concentration (0.3% limit), and compliance with federal regulations in 7 CFR 990.1-990.71.

• Transfers manufacturer licensing to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection with new triennial terms ($375 licensing fee) and independent testing laboratory requirements for microbiological contaminants, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides.

• Clarifies that hemp-derived products containing not more than 0.3% THC, including CBD, are not controlled substances and permits unlicensed retail sales of compliant hemp and hemp products from authorized sources.