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SSB 3159
A bill for an act providing for the regulation of hemp and hemp products, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2352.)
Agenda
Subcommittee members: Dawson-CH, Knox, Zaun
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Room G15
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-09-2024
Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]
If hemp flower can be produced and sold for something other than inhalation, it can't be presumed that anyone will inhale it. Strike section 11 from this bill. The presumption of innocence is one of the most basic requirements of a fair trial. How can these crazy hemp derivatives be so bad we have to turn Iowa into a banana republic? This legislation is more dangerous than any hemp derivative could ever be.
02-12-2024
Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]
I should not downplay the potential danger of hemp derivatives (I have no clue), but simply banning the sale of raw flower is better than presuming it will be used illegally once it is lawfully sold. That makes no sense.
02-12-2024
Patrick Goggin [Attorney]
The prohibition of inhaling hemp products is unintentionally resulting in the State administration in practice prohibiting rolling papers and wrappers made from hemp under Chapter 214.14A. However, as SSB 3159 Section 204.12s proposed language indicates, it is a raw or dried flower form of the hemp product that is intended to be prohibited. The State is currently losing out on significant tax dollars because of the administration's interpretation. Accordingly, an exception must be made for rolling papers and wrappers made from hemp fiber to avoid the unintended consequence of prohibiting nonintoxicating hemp fiber wrappers. We respectfully request that the committee amend SSB 3159 to include the language: hemp fiber rolling papers and wrappers produced from the stem and stalk of the hemp plant are excluded from the definition of Hemp and Consumable Hemp Products, and are legal to sell and use in Iowa. This will enable the State to collect important revenues and Iowa businesses to benefit from the sale of these products like in most U.S. states.