1888-S2 AMS AWRD S4686.2

2SHB 1888  - S COMM AMD
     By Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature intends to investigate the various economic opportunities and industrial uses associated with industrial hemp cultivation and production as a farm product in the state of Washington. Through conducting a study, the legislature intends to assess whether the state's growing conditions and economic potential are favorable for the production of industrial hemp so that growers and other businesses in Washington's agricultural industry may take advantage of this market opportunity. Furthermore, should the study find favorable growing conditions, it is the intent of the legislature to encourage the development of an industrial hemp industry as a fecund addition to our state's cornucopia.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Agribusiness" means the processing of raw agricultural products, including but not limited to timber and industrial hemp, or the performance of value-added functions with regard to raw agricultural products.
     (2) "Grower" means any person or business entity growing industrial hemp.
     (3) "Hemp products" includes all products made from industrial hemp including, but not limited to, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, particle board, plastics, seed, seed meal and seed oil for consumption, and certified seed for cultivation, if the seeds originate from industrial hemp varieties.
     (4) "Industrial hemp" means all parts and varieties of the plant Cannabis sativa, cultivated or possessed by a grower, whether growing or not, that contain a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of point three percent or less by weight, except that the THC concentration limit of point three percent may be exceeded for licensed industrial hemp seed research.
     (5) "THC concentration" means percent of total THC, which is the combined percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in any part of the plant Cannabis sativa, regardless of moisture content.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Industrial hemp is an agricultural product that may be grown, produced, possessed, and commercially traded in the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) Subject to receiving federal or private funds for this purpose, Washington State University shall study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in Washington state. In conducting the study, the university shall gather information from agricultural and scientific literature, consulting with experts and the public, and reviewing the best practices of other states and countries worldwide regarding the development of markets for industrial hemp and hemp products. The study must include an analysis of:
     (a) The market economic conditions affecting the development of an industrial hemp industry in the state;
     (b) The estimated value-added benefit that Washington's economy would reap from having a developed industrial hemp industry in the state;
     (c) Whether Washington soils and growing conditions are appropriate for economically viable levels of industrial hemp production;
     (d) The agronomy research being conducted worldwide relating to industrial hemp varieties, production, and use; and
     (e) Other legislative acts, experiences, and outcomes around the world regarding industrial hemp production.
     (2)(a) The university shall report its findings to the legislature by January 14, 2015.
     (b) The report must include recommendations for any legislative actions necessary to encourage and support the development of an industrial hemp industry in the state of Washington.
     (3) This section expires August 1, 2015.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 15 RCW."

2SHB 1888  - S COMM AMD
     By Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development

     On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "hemp;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new chapter to Title 15 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date."

EFFECT:  The definition of Cannabis sativa as synthetic equivalents is removed.
     The licensing program is removed from the bill.
     The Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) oversight and participation in the research conducted by Washington State University (WSU) are removed.
     WSDA has no additional statutory responsibility to the hemp industry, if the industry develops.
     Hemp is defined as all parts of the plant that have less than 0.3 percent THC by weight.
     Subject to receiving federal or private funds for this purpose, WSU must study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in Washington State.
     WSU must report its findings to the Legislature by January 14, 2015.

--- END ---