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To date, twenty-eight states have introduced hemp legislation and fifteen have passed legislation; eight (Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia) have removed barriers to its production or research.

State legislators, for more information about passing a resolution in support of industrial hemp please see our Hemp Resolution page.

California had a farming bill introduced on 2/21/07. Passed out of the General Assembly on 5/10/07 by a vote of 41 to 29. Passed the Senate by a vote of 26-13 on 9/11/07. In the Assembly the concurrance vote was 46-29 on 9/12/2007. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 10/11/07. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.

Hawaii had a legalization and regulation bill introduced on 1/24/07. Carried over to 2008.

Nevada had an Initiative Petition filed with the Secretary of State on 5/8/08.

New Mexico passed a hemp study memorial and Congressional resolution on 3/5/07.

North Dakota is now issuing licenses to farmers to grow hemp under existing state law and North Dakota Department of Agriculture rules. There are also five new bills this year that have been passed by their House and Senate. Two of which were resolutions and the rest have been signed by Governor Hoeven. On June 18, 2007 the two North Dakota farmers granted state hemp farming licenses, Rep. David Monson and Wayne Hauge, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota in an effort to end the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) obstruction of commercial hemp farming in the United States. Please see the Vote Hemp North Dakota Case page for the latest information on the case.

Minnesota had a hemp farming bill introduced on 3/19/07. Carried over to 2008. In committee on adjournment on 5/18/08; thus died in committee.

Also, an agriculture committee omnibus bill was introduced in the House on 3/10/08 that includes a section on Industrial Hemp Development And Regulation. There was companion bill in the Senate. Hemp language from the House bill was added to the Senate bill in conference committee, but was removed at the insistence of the State Patrol and the Governor's Washington, DC lobbyist. The omnibus bill was signed by Governor Pawlenty on 3/12/08, but without any hemp language.

South Carolina had a study bill introduced on 1/17/07. Carried over to 2008.

Vermont had a hemp farming bill introduced on 2/9/07. H.267, the Hemp for Vermont bill, passed the House by a vote of 126 to 9 on 2/7/2008 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25 to 1 on 5/1/2008. Allowed to become law by Governor Douglas without his signature on 5/29/08.

Wisconsin had a study bill introduced on 3/5/07. Carried over to 2008. Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 3/21/08.

A federal hemp bill was introduced in Congress on 1/13/07. The bill excludes industrial hemp from the definition of "marihuana" in the Controlled Substances Act and gives states the exclusive authority to regulate the growing and processing of industrial hemp under state law. Please see our Federal Legislation page for much more information on H.R. 1009, the "Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007."

All state hemp bills and resolutions introduced since 1995 are listed in the chart below the clickable map of the United States.


USA Map


 

 
 
STATE INDUSTRIAL HEMP LEGISLATION
 
 
State
click to view Vote Hemp state page
Session
Year
Bill Number
click to view bill
Current Status
California
2008
An act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/21/07. Passed out of the General Assembly on 5/10/07 by a vote of 41 to 29. Passed the Senate by a vote of 26-13 on 9/11/2007. In the Assembly the concurrance vote was 46-29 on 9/12/2007. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 10/11/07. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
Hawaii
2008
Legalizes and regulates the possession and production of, and commerce involving, industrial hemp. Introduced and Pass First Reading on 1/24/07. Referred to Agriculture, Judiciary, and Finance committees. Carried over from 2007.
Minnesota
2008
Introduced on 3/19/07. There is companion bill in the Senate, SF 3537. In committee on adjournment on 5/18/08; thus died in committee.
South Carolina
2008
A Joint Resolution to create a committee to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, to provide for the study committee's membership, and to require that the study committee report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 15, 2008, at which time the study committee is abolished. Introduced in the House and read for the first time on 1/17/07. Recalled from Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs and referred to Committee on Judiciary 1/10/08. Carried over from 2007.
Vermont
2008
This bill proposes to permit the development of an industrial hemp industry in Vermont. Introduced on 2/9/07. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. Carried over from 2007. Passed the House by a vote of 126 to 9 on 2/7/08 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25 to 1 on 5/1/08. Allowed to become law by Governor Douglas without his signature on 5/29/08.
Wisconsin
2008
An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 3/5/2007. Carried over from 2007. Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 3/21/08.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
California
2007
An act to amend Section 11018 of, and to add Section 11018.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp. Introduced on 2/21/07. Passed out of the General Assembly on 5/10/07 by a vote of 41 to 29. Passed the Senate by a vote of 26-13 on 9/11/2007. In the Assembly the concurrance vote was 46-29 on 9/12/2007. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 10/11/07.
Hawaii
2007
Legalizes and regulates the possession and production of, and commerce involving, industrial hemp. Introduced and Pass First Reading on 1/24/07. Referred to Agriculture, Judiciary, and Finance committees.
Idaho
2007
RS 16621
Resolution asking the U.S. Congress to legalize hemp farming. Killed in the House Agricultural Affairs Committee by a 6-4 vote on 1/30/07.
New Hampshire
2007
Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced on 1/4/07. Passed House on 4/5/07 on a 190-76 vote. Senate Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection Committee voted Inexpedient to Legislate, 5-1 on 5/3/07. Killed in the Senate on a voice vote 5/10/07.
New Mexico
2007
A memorial requesting the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to study the viability of a legal hemp industry; urging Congress to recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and to take certain other actions. Passed House 59-2 on 3/5/07. Signed 3/6/07. Official bill status abbreviations: [31] HAGC [36] DP/a [39] PASSED/H (59-2) [40] SGND.
North Dakota
2007
To amend and reenact subsections 1 and 3 of section 4-41-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to industrial hemp; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/3/07. Passed Senate 46-0 on 1/11/07. Passed House 79-11 on 2/26/07. Signed by House Speaker 2/28/07. Signed by Senate President 3/2/07. Signed by Governor 3/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State 3/6/07.
North Dakota
2007
To create and enact a new section to chapter 4-41 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the sale of industrial hemp seed; to amend and reenact subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 12-60-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to criminal history record checks; to provide an appropriation; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/15/07. Passed House 89-2 on 2/6/07. Signed by House Speaker 2/28/07. Signed by Senate President 3/2/07. Passed Senate 40-0 on 2/23/07. Signed by Governor 3/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State 3/6/07.
North Dakota
2007
Introduced by Appropriations Committee (At the request of the Governor). A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the extension service, northern crops institute, upper great plains transportation institute, main research center, branch research centers, and agronomy seed farm; to provide for transfer of funds; and to declare an emergency. Introduced on 1/3/07. Passed House 92-0 on 4/24/07. Passed Senate 47-0 on 4/25/07. Signed by Governor 4/27/07. Filed with Secretary of State 4/30/07.
North Dakota
2007
A concurrent resolution urging Congress to recognize the multiple benefits of industrial hemp and to facilitate the growing of industrial hemp and the expansion of industries reliant on industrial hemp-based products. Introduced on 1/26/07. Adopted by House on 2/13/07. Adopted by the Senate w/amendment on 3/15/07. Returned to House on 3/16/07. House concurred w/ Senate 4/3/07 on an 89-0 vote. Signed by Senate President and House Speaker on 4/5/07. Filed with Secretary of State on 4/5/07.
North Dakota
2007
A concurrent resolution urging Congress to direct the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to differentiate between industrial hemp and marijuana. Introduced on 1/26/07. Adopted by House on 2/13/07. Adopted by the Senate on 3/12/07. Signed by Senate President and House Speaker on 3/20/07. Filed with Secretary of State on 3/20/07.
Minnesota
2007
Introduced on 3/19/07. First reading and referred to Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs committee.
Oregon
2007
Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 1/12/07. Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources and then Ways and Means on 1/18/07. Public hearing held in the Senate Environment and Land Use Committee on 4/24/07. In committee upon adjournment on 6/28/07; thus died in committee.
South Carolina
2007
A Joint Resolution to create a committee to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, to provide for the study committee's membership, and to require that the study committee report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 15, 2008, at which time the study committee is abolished. Introduced in the House and read for the first time on 1/17/07.
Vermont
2007
This bill proposes to permit the development of an industrial hemp industry in Vermont. Introduced on 2/9/07. Referred to the House Agriculture Committee. Hearings on Wednesday, April 25 - Friday, April 27, 2007.
Wisconsin
2007
An Act relating to: creating a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp. Introduced 3/5/2007. Referred to committee on Rural Economic Development. Public hearing on April 18, 2007 at 1:00 PM in Room 328 Northwest, State Capitol.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
California
2006
Amends sections of the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp, and defines the plant as distinct from marijuana. Held over from 2005 (see below). Heard on 1/10/06 before the Assembly Public Safety Committee (passed 4 to 2) and on 1/18/06 before the Assembly Appropriations Committee (passed 13 to 3). Passed out of the General Assembly on 1/26/06 by a vote of 44 to 32. Then made it out of a couple Senate Committees and passed out of the full Senate on 8/16/06 by a vote of 26 to 13. Passed out of the Assembly again on a concurrence vote (for Senate amendments) of 44 to 29 on 8/21/06. Enrolled and sent to the Governor on 9/5/06 for his signature. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on 9/30/06.
North Carolina
2006
Creates an independent commission to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp. Introduced on 5/17/06 and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations on 5/18/06. Incorporated into H 1723, "The Studies Act of 2006," on 7/27/06. Signed and passed into law by Gov. Easley on 8/16/06.
Vermont
2006
Allows hemp farming under state license. Held over from 2005 (see below). Introduced on 3/8/05 and referred to and considered by the House Agriculture Committee. Public hearings held on 2/14, 2/16, 2/22, 2/23 & 3/16/06. Died in committee.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
2005
Amends sections of the Health and Safety Code, relating to industrial hemp, and defines the plant as distinct from marijuana. Introduced on 2/22/05 and heard on 4/27/05 before the Agriculture Committee. Held over until 2006.
New Hampshire
2005
Establishes an industrial hemp special program fund. Introduced on 12/1/04. Passed the House on 3/23/05 by a margin of 199-168 after coming out of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee. Heard by the Senate Environment and Wildlife Committee on 4/19/05. The Senate status of "Inexpedient to Legislate" indicates no further action will be taken on this bill (in other words, it's dead).
North Dakota
2005
Allows feral hemp seed collection and breeding at NDSU. Introduced on 1/17/05. Passed 87-3 in the House; passed 46-0 in the Senate. Signed and passed into law by Gov. Hoeven on 3/9/05.
2005
Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 1/13/05 and referred to the Environment & Land Use Committee, then to the Ways and Means Committee on 1/19/05. Public hearing held in the Senate Environment and Land Use Committee on 4/6/05. In committee upon adjournment on 8/5/05; thus died in committee.
Vermont
2005
Allows hemp farming under state license. Introduced on 3/8/05 and sent to the House Agriculture Committee. Held over until 2006.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
New Hampshire
2004
Authorizes the production of industrial hemp. Introduced on 1/15/04, but no vote taken.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Iowa
2003
Died in committee.
Maine
2003
Passed into law on 4/18/03.
New Hampshire
2003
Authorizes the production of industrial hemp, but passed over (no action taken).
Oregon
2003
Permits regulated production of industrial hemp, but passed over (no action taken).
Vermont
2003
Introduced on 3/18/03 and sent to the Senate Agriculture Committee. No committee hearings were found where this bill was considered. Died in committee.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Arizona
2002
Passed in the House Education Committee, but no action taken.
California
2002
Passed on 8/15/02, but vetoed by Gov. Davis on 9/15/02.
Hawaii
2002
Passed into law.
Minnesota
2002
Died in committee.
Died in committee.
Maine
2002
Died between houses.
New Mexico
2002
Died in committee.
South Dakota
2002
Voter initiative which failed to pass, as only 39% voted in favor.
Vermont
2002
Died in committee.
West Virginia
2002
Passed into law.
Wisconsin
2002
Passed by the Agriculture Committee, but died in the Rules Committee.
State
Session
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Arizona
2001
Passed on 4/19/01, but vetoed by Gov. Hull on 4/25/01.
California
2001
Died in Assembly committee.
Idaho
2001
Killed in the House by a 47-15 vote.
Hawaii
2001
Passed into law.
Illinois
2001
Passed into law, but vetoed by Gov. Ryan twice despite changes to meet his objections.
Iowa
2001
SF 61 died in the Senate Agriculture Committee; HF 202 died in the House Agriculture Committee.
Kentucky
2001
Passed into law and signed by Gov. Patton.
Montana
2001
Passed into law and signed by Gov. Martz on 4/23/01.
Nebraska
2001
Died in House committee.
New Hampshire
2001
Died in House committee.
New Mexico
2001
Died in House committee.
North Dakota
2001
Passed into law.
Oregon
2001
SB 531 died in Senate committee.
HB 3227 died in House committee.
South Dakota
2001
Voted down in Senate committee.
Vermont
2001
Deferred to 2002.
Virginia
2001
Passed into law.
State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Illinois
2000
Passed into law.
Iowa
2000
SF 2413 died in the Senate Appropriations Committee; HF 320 died in the House Agriculture Committee.
Kentucky
2000
Legislative session ended with no action.
Maryland
2000
Passed into law and signed by Gov. Glendening.
New Hampshire
2000
HB 239 died in committee; HJR 25 deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" (thus died in the Senate).
New Mexico
2000
Died in House committee.
Vermont
2000
Passed into law.
State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Arkansas
1999
Passed into law.
California
1999
Passed into law.
Hawaii
1999
Passed into law.
Hawaii
1999
Passed into law.
Hawaii
1999
Passed into law.
Illinois
1999
Passed into law.
Iowa
1999
SF 340 died in the Senate Appropriations Committee; HF 402 died in the House Agriculture Committee.
Minnesota
1999
SF 122 passed in the Senate; companion bill HF 1238 died in House committee; HF 64 also died in House committee.
Montana
1999
Passed into law.
North Dakota
1999
Passed into law.
Passed into law.
Tennessee
1999
Died in committee.
Virginia
1999
Passed into law.
State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Kansas
1998
Died in committee.
Missouri
1998
Died in committee.
New Mexico
1998
Passed both houses, but vetoed by Gov. Johnson.
New Hampshire
1998
Died in committee.
Vermont
1998
"Resolution as Adopted." Sent to the DEA and Congressional delegation.
State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Missouri
1997
Passed in the Senate, but voted down on the House floor after the DEA lobbied against it.
Missouri
1997
Died in committee.
North Dakota
1997
Passed into law.
Oregon
1997
Died in committee.
Virginia
1997
Passed over in the Rules Committee (no action taken).
State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Colorado
1996
SB 67
Passed in the Senate, but failed in the House Agriculture Committee after the DEA lobbied against it.
Missouri
1996
Died in committee.
Missouri
1996
Died in committee.
Vermont
1996

"As Enacted into Law." Gov. Dean did not sign the bill, nor did he veto it.

State
Year
Bill Number
Current Status
Colorado
1995
SB 132
Failed in the Senate Agriculture Committee.
 
     
 

 

 

 
 
 
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