House Bill 180 Summary

• Authorizes industrial hemp production and commerce in Mississippi, defined as Cannabis sativa plants containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry mass basis.

• Requires all hemp growers and handlers to obtain licenses from the Department of Agriculture and Commerce; growers must operate crops of at least 2.5 acres; licenses are valid for three years and non-transferable.

• Establishes record-keeping, inspection, and seed retention requirements; Department may sample crops during growth and seize crops exceeding 0.3% THC threshold.

• Allows civil penalties up to $2,500 and license revocation for violations of licensing requirements, permit terms, Department rules, or final orders.

• Amends controlled substances law to exempt properly licensed industrial hemp from Schedule I hallucinogenic substances classification, effective July 1, 2017.