DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 491 Original 2020 Regular Session Echols
Abstract: Provides authorizations relative to research and testing by certain state universities on
state-regulated industrial hemp crops and products, cannabidiol (CBD) products, and
marijuana for therapeutic use.
Present law (R.S. 3:1461 et seq.) authorizes the cultivation, processing, and transportation of
industrial hemp in accordance with rules and regulations of the La. Department of Agriculture and
Forestry.
Present law authorizes the La. State University Agricultural Center (LSU Ag Center) and the
Southern University Agricultural Center (SU Ag Center) to cultivate, handle, and process industrial
hemp and industrial hemp seeds for research and development of new varieties.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the University of La. at Monroe to those institutions that
can conduct industrial hemp research.
Present law exempts the LSU Ag Center and the SU Ag Center from licensure requirements and
criminal penalties of present law relative to industrial hemp seed producers, growers, and contract
carriers when those institutions perform industrial hemp research as authorized by present law.
Proposed law retains present law and extends the exemption from licensure requirements and
criminal penalties to the University of La. at Monroe when that institution performs industrial hemp
research as authorized by proposed law.
Present law requires the La. Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) to test for the THC
levels of industrial hemp crop prior to harvest and authorizes LDAF to test for THC levels of
industrial hemp crops and products after harvest.
Proposed law retains present law and authorizes LDAF to contract with the following institutions
for any testing of industrial hemp crop and industrial hemp products deemed necessary by the
commissioner of agriculture:
(1)The LSU Ag Center.
(2)The SU Ag Center.
(3)The University of La. at Monroe.
Present law (R.S. 3:1482) provides conditions and prohibitions relative to the processing and sale of cannabidiol (CBD) products. Provides for functions of the Louisiana Department of Health
(LDH) with respect to registration and testing of CBD products.
Proposed law retains present law and authorizes LDH to contract with the following institutions for
any independent testing of CBD products deemed necessary by the secretary of the department:
(1)The LSU Ag Center.
(2)The SU Ag Center.
(3)The University of La. at Monroe.
Present law (R.S. 40:1046) provides that only the LSU Ag Center and the SU Ag Center may be
licensed by the state to produce marijuana for therapeutic use. Authorizes each institution to conduct
research on marijuana for therapeutic use if it is licensed as a production facility.
Proposed law retains present law and adds authorization for the University of La. at Monroe to
conduct research on marijuana for therapeutic use.
(Amends R.S. 3:1465(F), 1468(A), 1469(A), 1471(C), and 1482(D) and (E) and R.S.
40:1046(H)(2)(c))