CODE OF VIRGINIA

INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH PROGRAM (§ 3.2-4120)

A. To the extent that adequate funds are available for the program, the
Commissioner shall undertake research of industrial hemp production through the
establishment and oversight of an industrial hemp research program to be
directly managed by public institutions of higher education. This research
program shall consist primarily of demonstration plots planted and cultivated in
Virginia by selected growers. The growers shall be licensed pursuant to
subsection A of § 3.2-4115 prior to planting any industrial hemp.

B. As part of the industrial hemp research program directly managed by public
institutions of higher education, the Commissioner may:

   1.  Oversee and analyze the growth of industrial hemp by licensed growers, for
   agronomy research and analysis of required soils, growing conditions, and
   harvest methods relating to the production of various varieties of industrial
   hemp that may be suitable for various commercial hemp products;

   2.  Conduct seed research on various types of industrial hemp that are best
   suited to be grown in Virginia, including seed availability, creation of
   Virginia hybrid types, and in-the-ground variety trials and seed production,
   and may establish a program to recognize certain industrial hemp seeds as
   being Virginia varieties of hemp seed;

   3.  Study the economic feasibility of developing an industrial hemp market in
   various types of industrial hemp that can be grown in the Commonwealth;

   4.  Report on the estimated value-added benefits, including environmental
   benefits, to Virginia businesses of an industrial hemp market of
   Virginia-grown industrial hemp varieties;

   5.  Study the agronomy research being conducted worldwide relating to
   industrial hemp varieties, production, and use;

   6.  Research and promote on the world market industrial hemp and hemp seed
   that can be grown on farms in the Commonwealth;

   7.  Promote research into the development of industrial hemp and commercial
   markets for Virginia industrial hemp and hemp products;

   8.  Study the feasibility of attracting federal or private funding for the
   Virginia industrial hemp research program; and

   9.  Study the use of industrial hemp in new energy technologies, including
   electricity generation, biofuels, or other forms of energy resources; the
   growth of industrial hemp on reclaimed mine sites; the use of hemp seed oil in
   the production of fuels; and the production costs, environmental issues, and
   costs and benefits involved with the use of industrial hemp for energy.

C. The research activities outlined in subsection B shall not:

   1.  Subject the industrial hemp research program to any criminal liability
   under the controlled substances laws of the Commonwealth. This exemption from
   criminal liability is a limited exemption that shall be strictly construed and
   that shall not apply to any activities of the industrial hemp research program
   that are not authorized; or

   2.  Alter, amend, or repeal by implication any provision of this Code relating
   to controlled substances.

D. The Commissioner shall pursue any permits or waivers from the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration or appropriate federal agency that are necessary for
the advancement of the industrial hemp research program.

E. The Commissioner shall notify the Superintendent of State Police and all
local law-enforcement agencies of the duration, size, and location of all
industrial hemp demonstration plots.

F. The Commissioner is permitted to cooperatively seek funds from public and
private sources to implement the industrial hemp research program.

G. By November 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner shall report
on the status and progress of the industrial hemp research program to the
Governor and to the General Assembly.

HISTORY: 2015, cc. 158, 180.