The legalization of an experimental study concerning the growing of industrial hemp in the state of Maryland is becoming a real possibility as HB1472 works its way through the legal system.
The Agriculture Industrial Hemp Study, as it is now called, is sponsored by Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo. The bill passed its third reading on March 28 and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.
On March 26, The House Environmental Matters Committee voted 23-1 in favor of the bill.
According to the bill’s, Fiscal and Policy Note, HB1472 “would establish a pilot program to study the growth and marketing” of hemp plants for industrial purposes on Maryland State agricultural property.
Implementation of this program is estimated to cost $279,100.
The goal of the program is to assess the feasibility of growing hemp in the area as well as the extent to which this industry could be used for commercial purposes.
Hemp is a tall-growing variety of the Cannabis plant. Another well-known member of the same genus is better known as marijuana. Several parts of the plant can be utilized for industrial purposes, including its oil, seeds, and fiber. These resources can be turned into fuel, soap, mulch, paint, plastics, particle board, paper, wax, bird seed, hemp oil, resin, cloth, and rope.
Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo said, “At this time the U.S. imports most of the products from China. This study would determine the feasibility and marketability of growing it in the U.S.”
Individual hemp plants grown in HB1472’s study will not be permitted to contain more than 1% of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis, by weight. Although the levels of THC are relatively low in the hemp plant, the Federal Controlled Substances Act still classifies any product that contains THC as a Schedule I drug.
A similar bill had been addressed by the legislation back in 2000, but ultimately fell apart in 2004.
Joanna Kille, Director of Government Relations at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, said, “[HB 1250] did pass, but it expired. The main problem with the issue is that, because industrial hemp is illegal at the federal level, we could not secure the DEA permits at that time.”
Of the current bill, she said, “HB 1472 was amended in committee to turn the bill into a study, and if that passes that will give MDA time to look at what the current laws are now.”
If introduced, the study will be highly regulated.
In order to participate, an individual must register with Drug Enforcement Administration and be licensed by Maryland Department of Agriculture. This is regardless of whether an individual is transporting, handling, growing, or processing industrial hemp. In addition, applicants cannot have been convicted of a drug-related misdemeanor or felony.
The Secretary of Agriculture would be required not only to control the supply of seeds that will be used, but also to test and inspect crops, and to certify all transportation of and final destinations of these plants.
In addition, the Secretary would have to report the findings of the study back to the Governor on or before December 1st of 2014, addressing strategies for safe cultivation of industrial hemp, detailed recommendations, as well as the status of hemp programs in other states.
The act would take effect on July 1, 2014. It would run for a period of four years and six months, and be abrogated by the end of December of 2018.