Kansas farmers will soon be able to add hemp to the list of crops they can market commercially. Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill establishing the commercial industrial hemp program Monday, April 15.
It’s a step toward the state creating its own regulations and opening up commercial hemp cultivation in Kansas — legalized fully under the 2018 Farm Bill. Under the new law, Kansas Department of Agriculture will coordinate with the governor and attorney general to outline its plan to regulate the product to the United States Department of Agriculture. Under current regulations, cultivation is limited for approved research as regulations are being worked out.
In a press release, Gov. Kelly says that she is proud the state has moved forward with the program.
“The Commercial Industrial Hemp Program represents a significant step forward for our agricultural economy,” says Kelly. “It will provide another crop option for Kansas farmers in the coming years.”
KDA Secretary Mike Beam says industrial hemp allows farmers another opportunity to diversify their crops, which Kelly says she is all for.
“In recent years, Kansas farmers have faced significant challenges – including weather and trade tensions,” Kelly says. “This program provides another tool in the toolbox for Kansas farmers.”
Though there is still more to be decided, the law lays down some ground rules for commercial producers and processors of industrial hemp.
There will be annual random samples tested to ensure levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol — the mind-altering element of marijuana — aren’t above legal limits. Three violations in five years would prohibit a producer from growing hemp for five years.
All producers and processors will have to go through background checks. Anyone convicted of a felony drug charge will be disqualified from legal registration in the commercial hemp program. Anyone caught operating without a license could be tried for a misdemeanor — or a felony after the first offense.
The law specifically does not allow for the sale of cigarettes, cigars, chew/dip, tea, or liquids/gasses for vapes that contain industrial hemp.
The full text of the law can be read here.
