HB 620 Summary

• Defines industrial hemp as cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than one percent tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) and explicitly excludes it from the definition of marijuana and controlled substance schedules.

• Allows any person without prior felony or drug-related misdemeanor convictions to legally grow and cultivate industrial hemp.

• Shifts burden of proof to defendants to demonstrate that a cannabis substance possessed was industrial hemp rather than a controlled substance, rather than prosecutors having to prove it was marijuana.

• Maintains existing controlled substance schedules and penalty provisions while carving out the industrial hemp exception throughout relevant statutes (Schedules I and related definitions).