MO SB255

Defines "industrial hemp" as cannabis sativa plants with THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis, explicitly excluding it from the definition of "marijuana" under Missouri controlled substances law

Establishes a licensing program through the Missouri Department of Agriculture for growers and handlers of industrial hemp, requiring background checks and prohibiting licenses for those with felony drug convictions

Requires licensed growers to maintain minimum 2.5-acre crops, comply with an electronic seed-to-sale tracking system, and allows the department to inspect crops and test THC levels during growth

Creates the offense of "unlicensed industrial hemp production" with penalties ranging from class A misdemeanor (35 grams or less) to class A felony (over 100 kilograms for distribution)

Authorizes the department to revoke licenses and impose civil penalties of $2,500 to $50,000 for violations, and permits growers to retain seed for future planting without obtaining a separate agricultural hemp seed production permit