House Bill 1210 Summary

• Authorizes production and commerce of industrial hemp (cannabis sativa with no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol on a dry weight basis) as an agricultural product regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

• Requires all hemp growers and handlers to obtain industrial hemp licenses from the department; growers must operate crops of at least 2.5 acres in size.

• Permits growers to retain seeds from their crops for future planting without a permit, though handlers selling agricultural hemp seed must obtain a separate production permit.

• Authorizes department to inspect records, audit operations, test crops during growth, and detain crops exceeding the 0.3% THC threshold; establishes maximum civil penalties of $2,500 for violations.

• Amends drug scheduling laws to exempt industrial hemp (as defined in this act) from Schedule I controlled substances, while maintaining restrictions on marijuana and high-THC cannabis products.