HB 2679 is a bill that updates the regulations for industrial hemp and hemp-derived products in Arizona. It removes the pilot program for hemp growth, allowing for commercial production in line with federal law, and focuses on strict marijuana control. The bill authorizes various hemp-related activities, including propagation, production, and retailing, under the oversight of the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA). It also introduces new definitions for terms related to hemp, mandates labeling and third-party testing for hemp products, and restricts sales to individuals over 21 years old.

The bill grants the ADA the authority to regulate hemp-derived products using fees and exempts the department from rulemaking requirements for one year. It outlines the director's responsibilities for licensing, production management, and consumer health and safety. Additionally, the bill provides an affirmative defense for licensed individuals in compliance with the article for certain marijuana or narcotic drug charges, but not for charges unrelated to industrial hemp.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-311, 3-312, 3-313, 3-314, 3-316, 3-317, 3-318, 3-320, 13-3405, 35-146, 35-147, 3-315, 41-1758.07