The bill amends Iowa's hemp regulations by introducing new definitions for "raw hemp," "semisynthetic cannabinoid," and "synthetic cannabinoid," while clarifying that the chapter does not apply to synthetic or semisynthetic cannabinoids. It establishes hemp as an agricultural commodity, contingent on compliance with federal and state laws, and outlines testing requirements for hemp products. The legislation specifies that compliant hemp products are not classified as controlled substances and mandates the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to adopt necessary enforcement rules. Additionally, it imposes civil penalties for violations, sets age restrictions for the sale and consumption of minimally processed hemp products, and preempts local legislation that conflicts with state regulations.

The bill also revises existing laws regarding consumable hemp products by changing terminology from "manufacturer" to "processor" and from "manufactures" to "processes." It requires individuals selling consumable hemp products to register with the relevant department and maintain a certificate of analysis, while exempting USDA licensees selling minimally processed hemp products from this requirement. The bill allows the department to impose processing fees and outlines conditions for revoking registrations due to non-compliance. Furthermore, it creates a new Code chapter for the general regulation of hemp products, ensuring that consumable hemp products processed in accordance with federal standards are not considered controlled substances, and reinforces that state regulations will take precedence over local laws. The changes aim to align state regulations with federal standards and streamline the regulatory framework for hemp products, taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 204A.2, 124.204, 204.2, 204.7, 204.14A, 204.15A, 204.17, 204.8, 124.401, 453B.17, 805.8C, 805.10