MN SF618

Establishes a new regulated industrial hemp industry in Minnesota through the creation of Chapter 18K, allowing persons to grow and sell industrial hemp with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration not exceeding 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

Requires commercial growers to obtain a license from the commissioner of agriculture, pay annual registration and inspection fees, undergo background checks by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and comply with federal requirements for hemp production and distribution.

Authorizes the commissioner to establish a pilot program permitting the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes by the commissioner and institutions of higher education, including collecting seed from wild hemp sources.

Creates an affirmative defense for marijuana possession charges if the defendant possesses industrial hemp grown under the chapter and holds a valid controlled substance registration from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, if required by federal law.

Modifies the definition of marijuana to explicitly exclude industrial hemp as defined in the new chapter and clarifies that industrial hemp grown by licensed persons under Chapter 18K is not considered wild hemp for county eradication purposes.