2018 Code of Virginia
Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food
Chapter 41.1 - Industrial Hemp
§ 3.2-4114.1. Higher education industrial hemp research programs; Virginia industrial hemp research program
A. To the extent that adequate funds are available, the Commissioner may undertake research of industrial hemp growth, processing, or marketing through the establishment and oversight of higher education industrial hemp research programs, which shall be directly managed by institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth. Any institution of higher education directly managing a higher education industrial hemp research program shall, by October 1 of each year, submit a report to the Commissioner regarding the institution's growing or processing activities for the previous year.
B. To the extent that adequate funds are available, the Commissioner may undertake research of industrial hemp growth, processing, or marketing through the establishment and management of the Virginia industrial hemp research program.
C. Each participant in a research program established pursuant to this section shall be registered pursuant to subsection A of ยง 3.2-4115 prior to growing or processing any industrial hemp.
D. The research activities undertaken pursuant to this section shall not:
1. Subject any industrial hemp research program established pursuant to this section to any criminal liability under the controlled substances laws of the Commonwealth. This exemption from criminal liability is a limited exemption that shall be strictly construed and that shall not apply to any activities of such an industrial hemp research program that are not authorized; or
2. Alter, amend, or repeal by implication any provision of this Code relating to controlled substances.
2018, cc. 689, 690.
