HB 1521 Summary

• Authorizes the growing, handling, and sale of industrial hemp in Mississippi, defined as cannabis sativa with 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, with growers required to maintain at least 2.5 acres; licenses are valid for three years and non-transferable

• Permits growers to retain seeds from their crops for future planting without a permit, but sellers of agricultural hemp seed must comply with department standards

• Authorizes the department to inspect records and crops, collect reasonable licensing fees, and impose civil penalties up to $2,500 for violations; allows crop seizure if THC levels exceed legal limits

• Amends Mississippi's controlled substances schedule to exempt industrial hemp (as defined in this act) from Schedule I drug prohibitions, effective July 1, 2019