Bill > H4170

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to regulate the cultivation of industrial hemp, which is defined as the plant Cannabis sativa L. with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. The bill clarifies that industrial hemp is not considered a controlled substance under current drug laws and establishes a new framework under Chapter 128 of the General Laws for its agricultural use. This framework includes definitions for terms like "Commissioner" (referring to the commissioner of the department of agricultural resources), "Department" (the department of agricultural resources), "Hemp products" (various items made from industrial hemp), and "Person" (any individual or legal entity). Under the proposed regulations, industrial hemp can be planted, grown, harvested, processed, bought, sold, or researched, but only under the supervision and approval of the Department of Agricultural Resources. Those engaging in commercial activities involving industrial hemp must be licensed by the department, and seeds must be acquired from licensed distributors. The bill also outlines requirements for licensing, including background checks and property descriptions, and allows for the suspension or revocation of licenses for violations. Furthermore, it mandates that the department create regulations covering application processes, applicant information, licensing criteria, security procedures, testing of hemp plants for THC levels, supervision of the entire cultivation process, transportation of industrial hemp, and registration for those using hemp products commercially or for research. Importantly, commercial use of industrial hemp is contingent on federal legislation removing it from the Controlled Substances Act.