Hemp licensing fees stay where they are; why advocates say this harms the industry

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Two proposals over hemp regulations have stalled in the Statehouse, including an amendment that would have criminalized some CBD products.

The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources decided not to take up an amendment to House Bill 2168. It would have reduced hemp licensing and registration fees from $1,200 to $800.

A recent amendment would also add a criminal charge to anyone in possession of hemp with THC levels exceeding one percent.

The committee discussed the bill on Wednesday, April 3 and ultimately decided not to go forward with the bill or the amendment. One advocate says the high license fees deter people from participating in an important industry.

"We hear a lot of farmers that they want to be growing hemp, but there's too much red tape," Co-Founder of Kansans for Hemp Kelly Rippel said. "Once the red tape can go away for farmers, agricultural hemp can be adopted at a greater rate, the supply chain can be connected."

The bill's contents could still be worked into another bill, also known as a vehicle. If the bill isn't taken up before drop dead day, it will die and need to be reintroduced next legislative session.

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