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Senate panel to weigh hemp vs. cannabis rules as federal policy shifts loom
Summary
Chair Ingalls said the committee will work with the Cannabis Control Board and agency staff to define roles for hemp and cannabis, and to assess implications of federal executive action that could change growers' regulatory status.
The agriculture committee said Jan. 6 it will examine distinctions between hemp and cannabis and how state programs should treat growers as federal policy evolves.
Sen. Russ Ingalls said he has met with James Pepper and members of the Cannabis Control Board to discuss definitions and regulatory roles. "When I look at cannabis and I look at hemp, I see one that's a nonintoxicant and one's an intoxicant," Ingalls said, and he signaled the committee may consider whether people growing hemp or cannabis can access farming benefits such as grants and tax advantages.
Federal context: the chair told the panel that White House developments could change cannabis classification, potentially making some growers more like traditional farmers and altering federal regulatory requirements. The committee intends to track these developments and coordinate with the Cannabis Control Board and agency staff.
Next steps: the committee will take testimony and likely request agency-proposed language clarifying roles and eligibility for farming programs. No bills were introduced at the Jan. 6 meeting on this subject.
