S0318.01I< p>

SB 79 - This act authorizes the growing and maintenance of industrial hemp for commercial uses. Examples of permitted commercial uses are the manufacture of rope, sacks, yarn, paper, cloth and such other products as may be made from the fiber or sterilized seed of industrial hemp.

The Department of Agriculture is given regulatory authority over the licensing and growing of industrial hemp.

Higher education institutions may receive up to $50,000 to conduct research on uses of industrial hemp. Institutions receiving such appropriations may make grants of up to $10,000 for each research project.

Any person violating any provision of this act may be charged as provided in the Comprehensive Drug Control Act of 1989, Chapter 195, RSMo.

This act is nearly identical to SB 972 (1996).

TOM CRAWFORD