substitute for

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 104

A resolution urging the United States Department of Agriculture to recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and take steps to remove barriers to the commercial production of this crop.

Whereas, Industrial hemp is cultivated to produce fiber, grain, biomass, or non-intoxicating medical compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Industrial hemp is genetically distinct from the drug varieties known as marihuana and includes only parts and varieties that contain a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of 0.3 percent or less by dry weight; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp is among the earliest and most-widely cultivated plants in human history, with artifacts dated at approximately 10,000 years old. Today, industrial hemp is known for a multitude of uses and can be found in thousands of products including textiles, fibers, biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, food, and oil extracts; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp has played a crucial role in the development of the United States, providing raw material for the manufacture of rope, sail canvas, textiles and paper in the 18th and 19th centuries. Increased availability of other industrial fibers combined with concerns about marihuana abuse led to a gradual prohibition of cannabis cultivation in the United States. By the mid-1930s cannabis was regulated as a drug across the country and effectively outlawed by the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937; and

Whereas, In recent years reduced regulations at the federal level have created opportunities to revitalize this valuable commodity. After nearly 80 years of federal restriction, the 2014 Farm Bill permitted regulated research by state governments or universities on this valuable agricultural commodity, and, later, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized commercial production of industrial hemp in all 50 states; and

Whereas, In 2019, Michigan began an agricultural pilot program to study the growth, cultivation, and marketing of industrial hemp, as authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. To date, 547 grower registrations and 403 processor-handler licenses have been issued; and

Whereas, The United States Department of Agriculture has not yet completed promulgating federal rules for hemp production. Industrial hemp farmers in Michigan continue to operate under emergency guidelines established by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Uncertainty in processing rules and regulations may stymie an important economic opportunity that could stimulate an economic resurgence for the agricultural industry across and throughout the state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules and provide guidance to state departments of agriculture on submission of state hemp plans in a timely manner; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Agriculture and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.