BILL REQ. #:  S-4298.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/07/14.   

     AN ACT Relating to industrial hemp; adding a new chapter to Title 15 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

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 licensed 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) "Tetrahydrocannabinol" or "THC" means synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in cannabis sativa, or in the resinous extractives of, cannabis, or synthetic substances, compounds, salts, or derivatives of cannabis sativa or chemicals and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity.
     (6) "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, 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) The department may, by rule, establish necessary criteria for the certification of the genetic purity and identity of industrial hemp seeds as agricultural seed for purposes of complying with chapter 15.49 RCW.
     (2) The department may provide technical assistance to the grower.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   (1) 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. 6   Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 15 RCW.