House Bill 1312 Summary

• Authorizes production and commerce of industrial hemp in Mississippi, defined as Cannabis sativa plant material containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis.

• Requires all hemp growers and handlers to obtain licenses from the Department of Agriculture and Commerce; growers must cultivate at least 2.5 acres and provide GPS coordinates and legal property descriptions.

• Establishes a 3-year license term and permits growers to retain seeds from crops for personal future planting without needing a separate permit, though seeds for sale require an agricultural hemp seed production permit.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Commerce to conduct inspections with 3 days' notice, impose civil penalties up to $2,500 for violations, and seize crops exceeding the 0.3% THC threshold.

• Amends Mississippi drug schedules to exempt industrial hemp and hemp commodities from Schedule I controlled substance restrictions, allowing processed hemp extract with a 20:1 cannabidiol to THC ratio.