Senate Bill 153, authored by Senator Scott Wilk (D-Santa Clarita), would construct a more robust state regulatory structure for the cultivation and testing of industrial hemp.  SB 153 would conform the cultivation and testing of industrial hemp requirements for a state plan under the federal Farm Bill.  

Specifically, SB 153 revises certain key terminology in California’s hemp law, expands the registration requirements to apply to growers of industrial hemp for noncommercial as well as commercial purposes, and establishes new testing requirements and enforcement procedures, among other things.

RCRC staff has engaged with the author’s office and sponsors to secure amendments that would recognize and protect local land use control; narrow the definition of ‘established agricultural research institution’ to recognized institutions of higher education, consistent with federal law; clarify the bill’s enforcement provisions; and, make additional technical and clarifying revisions. 

SB 182 is set to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, August 21st.  RCRC will continue to monitor the bill as it advance through the legislative process.

For more information, Paul A. Smith, Vice President Governmental Affairs, can be reached at (916) 447-4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.