Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act Summary

• Authorizes cultivation, processing, and transportation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. with no more than 0.3% THC on dry weight basis) under state Department of Agriculture and Commerce licensing and registration requirements.

• Hemp growers must obtain licenses and processors must register with the department; annual licensing fees capped at $500 per 100 acres; all applicants subject to state and federal background checks.

• Requires hemp transporters to carry copy of grower's license and maintain dated invoices/bills of lading with seller/purchaser information, origin, destination, and quantity during transport.

• Establishes framework for negligent violations (corrective action plans without criminal penalties) versus non-negligent violations (reported to federal and state attorneys general for criminal prosecution); three negligent violations in five years results in five-year ineligibility.

• Amends controlled substances law to exempt hemp as defined and regulated under this act from marijuana/cannabis Schedule I prohibitions; allows hemp-derived CBD products approved by FDA for human consumption.