HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4526

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, March 9, 2020.

The committee on Cannabis Policy, to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3545) of Susannah M. Whipps and others  relative to establishing a cannabis and hemp cultivation research center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 4526) ought to pass.

For the committee,

DAVID M. ROGERS.

        FILED ON: 2/5/2020

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4526

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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An Act relative to establishing a cannabis and hemp cultivation research center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Chapter 128 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:

125. The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, shall establish a Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation Research Center. The center shall provide research, technical support and practical solutions regarding cannabis public policy and challenges within the hemp and marijuana industries.

(a) The Center shall facilitate public outreach and dialogue forums in Eastern and Western Massachusetts regarding emerging issues for cultivators of marijuana and hemp, which may include, but shall not be limited to, strategies for preventing cross-pollination conflicts between outdoor grown industrial hemp and marijuana crops, assessment of regionally appropriate cultivars, and alternative mechanisms for confirming that THC levels in hemp cultivation are compliant with federal and state requirements.

(b) The Center shall establish an advisory committee of cannabis stakeholders, including, but not limited to farmers, to aid in the assessment of the emerging issues.

(c) Within one year of its establishment, the Center shall issue a report, based on review of field experience in the Commonwealth, as well as policy developments in other states, identifying challenges, practical solutions and public policy recommendations to promote sustainable cultivation.