MN HF736

Establishes industrial hemp as a regulated agricultural crop in Minnesota, defined as Cannabis sativa L. containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Requires commercial industrial hemp growers to obtain a license from the Commissioner of Agriculture, including background investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and compliance with federal Drug Enforcement Administration requirements.

Creates an affirmative defense to marijuana possession charges if the defendant was growing licensed industrial hemp, held valid federal DEA registration, fully complied with registration conditions, and possessed only industrial hemp meeting the 0.3% THC threshold.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to adopt rules for supervising, inspecting, and testing industrial hemp crops, assessing licensing and testing fees, and using background check results in licensure decisions.

Modifies the definition of marijuana in Minnesota law to exclude industrial hemp, mature cannabis stalks, fiber, oil, cake made from seeds, and sterilized incapable-of-germination seeds; establishes an industrial hemp account in the agricultural fund for licensing and enforcement.