Hemp priorities for 2021

INDIANAPOLIS — State lawmakers will have a lot on their plates during the 2021 General Assembly, including hemp farming legislation.

Justin Swanson, president of the Midwest Hemp Council, shared top hemp priorities that are on the table:

• Ensure farmers, small businesses and consumers have access to craft hemp flower grown in Indiana.

• Create a sandbox for Indiana small businesses to explore integrating low THC hemp extract and craft hemp flower into new and existing product lines.

• Position Indiana to leverage maximum federal flexibility for farmers and consumers.

“The hemp industry faces a lot of challenges as our members work towards building out the supply chain in Indiana and throughout the Midwest region,” Swanson said.

Top issues for legislators in 2021 will include the biennial budget, redistricting, COVID-19 liability protections and deliberation on gubernatorial powers during public health crisis, Swanson said.

Hemp may not be the first priority for lawmakers, but Midwest Hemp Council will advocate for Hoosiers’ continued right to grow hemp.

Next year will be the first year for full commercial production in Indiana since World War II, Swanson said.

Unlike 2020, researchers from universities will not need to be involved with hemp farms in 2021.

A federal background check will be required for growers. There also will be an online application process.

Fees of $750 for growers and handlers will begin in 2021.

“This will be the first year for fees,” Swanson said. “These may seem pretty high, but we’re one of the lowest in the Midwest, if not the country.”

Swanson shared advice for how to effectively communicate with lawmakers.

“They are looking for accurate information,” he said. “Make sure you understand the legislation and explain why you do or do not support it. That’s probably the best way to get your legislator’s attention because it shows you’ve done your homework. It shows you care about the issue.”

Effective constituent communication tips:

• Identify your senator and representative. Visit: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators.

• Identify where the bill is in the process.

• Read the legislation and be able to explain it.

• Provide concrete examples of how it helps or hurts you and your operations.

Midwest Hemp Council’s 2021 Hemp at the Crossroads conference was postponed from Feb. 4-5 to Dec. 1-3.

Learn more at: www.midwesthempcouncil.com.