Unless allowed by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly, only persons or entities engaged in research at a University of Missouri agriculture experiment stations and other state-supported institutions of higher education engaged in alternative crop research are eligible for licensure. No person convicted of a felony or drug-related misdemeanor can be licensed. The director of the Department of Agriculture is to annually submit to the General Assembly the results of research on the economic viability of industrial hemp and an analysis of other industrial hemp program operations. Any person violating the provisions of this substitute is to be charged as established in Chapter 195, RSMo, Drug Regulations. No impact on state funds.
Supporters say that industrial hemp is a viable alternative crop with an existing market.
Industrial hemp is grown legally in other countries, is the oldest cultivated crop, has many uses including particle board, paper, clothing, horse bedding, carpeting and rope, and has been successfully grown in Missouri. The plant is disease and insect resistant, helps control erosion, and needs no herbicides. Industrial hemp production would enhance the rural economy, create jobs, and is environmentally friendly. Those who oppose the substitute say that marijuana and industrial hemp are the same plant. Factors which impact drug use are accessibility, affordability, and sociability, all of which are negatively affected by allowing industrial hemp to be grown.