House Bill No. 491 outlines a process for the growing and processing of hemp (a relative of the marijuana plant used in textiles and fuels) as well as the selling of other CBD products. The bill would comply with the 2018 federal Farm Bill. The House voted 102-0 for the measure, sending it to the Senate. The bill would authorize industrial hemp farming, provide for licensure and fees, establish testing, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements, and prohibit certain activities. Language added to the bill by Republican Rep. Clay Schexnayder would prohibit sales of alcohol or food containing CBD, unless the FDA approves the substance for such use.
