Section 2-26-1. – Short title.

§ 2-26-1. Short title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Industrial Hemp Growth Act.” History of Section.P.L. 2016, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 442, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 15, § 1.

Section 2-26-10. – Enforcement of violations of chapter.

§ 2-26-10. Enforcement of violations of chapter. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the director of the department, or his or her designee, has cause to believe that a violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder has occurred by a licensee who or that is under the […]

Section 2-26-2. – Legislative findings.

§ 2-26-2. Legislative findings. The general assembly finds and declares as follows: (1) The cannabis sativa plant used for the production of hemp is separate and distinct from forms of cannabis used to produce marijuana. (2) Hemp is used for products such as building materials, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, floor coverings, fuel, industrial chemicals, paint, […]

Section 2-26-3. – Definitions.

§ 2-26-3. Definitions. When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) “Applicant” means any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity who or that, on his, her, or its own behalf, or on behalf of another, has applied for permission to engage in any act or activity that is […]

Section 2-26-4. – Hemp an agricultural product.

§ 2-26-4. Hemp an agricultural product. Hemp is an agricultural product that may be grown as a crop, produced, possessed, distributed, sold at retail, and commercially traded pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Hemp is subject to primary regulation by the department. The division may assist the department in the regulation of hemp growth […]

Section 2-26-5. – Authority over licensing and sales.

§ 2-26-5. Authority over licensing and sales. (a) The department shall prescribe rules and regulations for the licensing and regulation of hemp growers, handlers, licensed CBD distributors, and licensed CBD retailers and persons employed by the applicant not inconsistent with law, to carry into effect the provision of this chapter and shall be responsible for […]

Section 2-26-6. – Rulemaking authority.

§ 2-26-6. Rulemaking authority. (a) The department shall adopt rules to provide for the implementation of this chapter, which shall include rules to require hemp to be tested during growth for THC levels and to require inspection of hemp during sowing, growing season, harvest, storage, and processing. Included in these rules should be a system […]

Section 2-26-7. – Licensure.

§ 2-26-7. Licensure. (a) Except as provided in this section, beginning sixty (60) days after the effective date of this chapter, the department shall accept the application for licensure to cultivate hemp submitted by the applicant. (b) A person or entity, licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter, shall allow hemp crops, throughout sowing, […]

Section 2-26-8. – Methods of extraction.

§ 2-26-8. Methods of extraction. (a) The department shall adopt rules regarding permissible methods of extraction. (b) No butane method of extraction shall be permitted by the department. History of Section.P.L. 2016, ch. 441, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 442, § 1.

Section 2-26-9. – Research and educational growth by institutions of higher education.

§ 2-26-9. Research and educational growth by institutions of higher education. (a) The department is authorized to certify any higher educational institution in Rhode Island to grow or handle, or assist in growing or handling, industrial hemp for the purpose of agricultural or academic research where such higher educational institution submits the following to the […]