CHEYENNE — Wyoming is just a signature away from controlling how hemp and CBD is regulated in the state.
The Wyoming House of Representatives almost unanimously voted to approve the Senate’s amendments to HB 171 today. Now the bill is on its way to Governor Mark Gordon’s office for final approval.
The bill, co-sponsored by Green River Representatives Stan Blake (HD39) and John Freeman (HD60), makes the possession, purchase, transportation
Blake said he is proud to have co-sponsored the bill and calls it a great piece of legislation for Wyoming.
“It will set us ahead of other states when it comes to the production of hemp and hemp products, growing and processing of products including CBD Oil,” he said. “This is an added value product that will increase
revenues for farmers and those who will take those products to market.”
Blake said it will also increase the state’s revenues in tax dollars.
“People who want to use CBD Oil will not have to be in fear of law enforcement after this bill becomes law,” he added.
Some minor changes were made to the bill in the Senate, but none of them were big enough for the House not to approve those changes.
A person must have an Agriculture Department-issued license before they can grow, transport or sell hemp and hemp products. In addition, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content must be below 0.3% before the product can go to market.
The Agriculture Department will also have the authority to conduct random testing of the product to make sure it complies with the stipulations of the bill. In addition, a person who has been convicted of a felony within 10 years will not be allowed to get a license.
The cost of a license has been established at $750, and $500 for non-profit organizations.
If Governor Gordon approves the measure, Wyoming would become the 34th state to have passed laws broadly legalizing production and distribution of marijuana in some form.
