SACRAMENTO – Senate Bill 153 has cleared the California Legislature and the industrial hemp bill will now go to Governor Gavin Newsom for final action, the bill’s author, Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Friday.

SB 153 would ensure California law is in full compliance with changes to federal law regarding the cultivation of industrial hemp.

“Industrial hemp presents such an exciting opportunity for California, especially in areas like the Antelope Valley. I am very appreciative my colleagues’ support, to ensure California is able to take advantage of all the industry has to offer the Golden State,” said Wilk, who represents the state’s 21st Senate District. “Hemp is used in 25,000 different products so the opportunities are endless.”

In 2018, with the passage of SB 1409 (Wilk), California streamlined industrial hemp production rules and became compliant with then existing federal law. After SB 1409 was signed into law, changes were made at the federal level in the Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (farm bill). SB 153 would conform California law to those changes.

“Industrial hemp is going to revolutionize agriculture and bring new manufacturing to the state,” Wilk said. “Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, and Betsy Ross weaved the first flag out of hemp. Just imagine its possibilities today. With SB 153 California will be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities presented for our agricultural and manufacturing industries.”