Hemp Task Force could grow hemp industry in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) - A bill to create a new hemp task force has moved one step closer to passing into law at the State Capitol. The Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Task Force, outlined in Senate Bill 1422, would be made up of seven members. It would provide lawmakers and the Governor with information on the impacts of hemp production and processing of industrial hemp in the state.

Senator Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, introduced the bill. He said hemp can be used in concrete, batteries, and can even be used to generate electricity, which could lead to a booming industry in the state.

"it's a very substantial product that we can grow,” said Pederson. “We don't have to go mine it somewhere and industrial hemp has a lot of uses. Hopefully this task force will kind of carve out a niche that separates it from marijuana."

The task force would be made up of seven members; one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Pro Tem, one appointed by the House Speaker, two from university agriculture programs, one from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and one from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

The members have until December 24, 2026 to present a report to lawmakers on if industrial hemp would be a successful program for the state as well as what regulations the industry should follow.