Agriculture: industrial hemp; licensing and regulations for processing, brokering, and marketing industrial hemp, supplying industrial hemp seed, and engaging in wholesale of industrial hemp products; create. Creates new act & repeals 2014 PA 547 (MCL 286.841 - 286.859). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6289'24, HB 6291'24
The passage of HB 6288 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning the handling and distribution of hemp products. The insistence on licensing is intended to create a controlled environment for the production and sale of these products, which can have implications for both public health and consumer protection. Moreover, the bill establishes a consumable hemp product fund to aid in enforcement and regulation efforts, marking an increased government role in what has traditionally been a less regulated sector. It also repeals certain previous acts, suggesting a shift towards a more streamlined regulatory approach.
House Bill 6288, known as the Industrial Hemp Processing Act, aims to regulate the licensing, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp and consumable hemp products within the state of Michigan. The bill establishes a framework for licensing consumable hemp processors, setting criteria for the sampling and testing of hemp products to ensure safety. It delineates responsibilities for state governmental agencies involved in hemp regulation, including the cannabis regulatory agency, which will enforce the provisions laid out by the bill. Licensing will be contingent upon meeting specific operational standards and following established procedures for handling hemp products.
While the bill has garnered support for promoting safety and systematic regulation, it has also raised concerns among some stakeholders regarding the potential burdens it may place on small processors. Critics argue that the licensing fees and administrative requirements could disproportionately affect smaller businesses and limit their ability to compete in the market. Additionally, the definition of various cannabinoids and the specifications around what constitutes a consumable hemp product have been points of contention, particularly concerning the handling of products containing intoxicating cannabinoids.