Lawmakers failed to act this session on legislation, House Bill 773, to regulate the cultivation and promotion of industrial hemp.
The legislation would have established policies and procedures to allow for the commercial cultivation of industrial hemp if/when federal law permits such activity.
Members of Congress have previously approved language in the omnibus federal Farm Bill explicitly authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Presently, more than 20 states have enacted legislation permitting licensed hemp cultivation in a manner that is compliant with this statute.
Under this proposal, state regulators would have licensed applicants to engage in hemp-related activities, including acquiring germinating hemp seeds and crop cultivation.
NORML would like to thank those of you who contacted your state lawmakers in support of this legislation.
For more information you can contact our Mass/Cann NORML Chapter.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
