1552-S AMH SHEA OSBO 158

SHB 1552 - H AMD 587

By Representative Shea

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature intends to authorize the growing of industrial hemp as a legal, agricultural activity in this state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Grower" means any person or entity growing industrial hemp in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(2) "Hemp products" include all products made from industrial hemp including, but not limited to, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, building materials, plastics, seed, livestock feed, seed meal, seed oil intended for consumption, seed certified for cultivation, or any other hemp product derived from industrial hemp.

(3) "Industrial hemp" means all parts and varieties of the genera Cannabis, cultivated or possessed by a grower, whether growing or not, that contain a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of 0.3 percent or less by dry weight, except that the THC concentration limit of 0.3 percent may be exceeded with respect to seeds used for industrial hemp research conducted in accordance with the requirements of section 4 of this act. Industrial hemp does not include plants of the genera Cannabis that meet the definition of "marijuana" under RCW 69.50.101.

(4) "THC" or "tetrahydrocannabinol" means the component delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol contained in the genera Cannabis, or in the resinous extractives of the genera Cannabis, or the synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity.

(5) "THC concentration" means percent of total THC, which is the percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in any part of the genera Cannabis, regardless of moisture content.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  Industrial hemp is an agricultural product that may be legally grown, produced, possessed, processed, and commercially traded. Interstate and international commercial transactions may be conducted by industrial hemp producers and processors with respect to industrial hemp and industrial hemp products produced in this 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. In conducting the study, the Washington State University shall gather information from agricultural and scientific literature, consult with experts and the public, and review 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 hemp production;

(d) Issues related to the potential for cross-pollination between industrial hemp plants and marijuana plants;

(e) The threat posed to industrial hemp by agricultural pests and diseases and the potential remedies for these agricultural threats;

(f) Any potential threat to the state's hop industry posed by the agricultural production of industrial hemp and methods that might be used to mitigate such threat;

(g) The agronomy research being conducted worldwide relating to industrial hemp varieties, production, and use; and

(h) Other legislative acts, experiences, and outcomes around the world regarding industrial hemp production.

(2)(a) Washington State University shall report its findings to the legislature by January 14, 2016.

(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, 2016.

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

Correct the title.

EFFECT:  (1) Eliminates all licensing requirements and fees applicable to industrial hemp producers; (2) strikes all provisions pertaining to the regulatory role of the Department of Agriculture; (3) strikes all provisions pertaining to the regulation of industrial hemp cultivars and seeds; (4) strikes provisions establishing the Industrial Hemp Account; (5) strikes all provisions pertaining to the regulatory role of the Liquor and Cannabis Board; and (6)strikes all provisions pertaining to the Controlled Substances Act. 

--- END ---