SB 371 - Current law allows people with intractable epilepsy to possess and use hemp extract to treat their condition. This act allows people with serious conditions including but not limited to epilepsy to use hemp extract. Serious condition is defined as cancer, HIV, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies, Huntington's disease, or certain specified symptoms or complications associated with the conditions listed above.
Under current law, the Department must issue a registration card to a person who provides a statement signed by a neurologist that the person suffers from intractable epilepsy and may benefit from treatment with hemp extract. This act provides that the Department must issue a registration card to a person who provides a certification signed by a physician or neurologist that the person suffers from a serious condition and may benefit from treatment with hemp extract, indicates the practitioner is qualified to treat the condition, and states that the individual is under the practitioner's continuing care.
The maximum level of THC permitted in hemp extract under current law is 0.3% by weight. This act raises this maximum to 0.9% by weight. This act also provides that the minimum level of cannabidol required in hemp extracted is lowered from 5% by weight to 1.5% by weight.
This act specifies that individuals and health care entities will not be punished for participating in the lawful use of hemp extract.
This act makes certain requirements for the notification of the parent or guardian of a minor for whom it is determined that the use of hemp extract would be medically appropriate.
This act creates certain background check and residency requirements for prospective producers of cannabis to be used in the production of hemp extract. The residency requirements contain a grandfather clause. A maximum of ten licenses may be issued for the cultivation of cannabis to be used in the production of hemp extract.
This act is similar to HCS/HBs 1007 & 937 (2017), SB 912 (2016), and HB 2625 (2016).
JOHN GRANA
SA #1 - CHANGES THE DEFINITION OF HEMP EXTRACT