| On Monday May 14, 2018, Gov. Ducey signed SB 1098 into law. The bill authorizes hemp pilot programs and research under the Farm Bill. Arizona should have hemp pilot programs starting in 2019 depending on how quickly the AZ Dept. of Agriculture creates the regulations for the hemp program. Arizona becomes the 39th state to define hemp and authorize pilot programs and research on hemp. |
| The bill signing was a historic moment for hemp advocates around the state. Gov. Ducey had vetoed a similar bill last session due to funding concerns. The legislature worked to address the funding issue and this time the Governor welcomed the chance to allow Arizona farmers to participate in the growing market for hemp products. Special thanks goes out to Sen. Lisa Otondo and Sen. Sonny Borelli who lead the effort and Arizona hemp business owner Michael Stoltz for his testimony and persistence in pushing for the bill. Thanks also to the other farmers, businesses and advocates who spoke at hearings and educated legislators on the potential benefits for the state. |