ORS 571.423: Powers of Oregon Hemp Commission; rules.

The Oregon Hemp Commission may: (1) Conduct scientific research to discover and develop the commercial value of hemp and hemp products. (2) Disseminate reliable information founded upon the research conducted under ORS 571.400 to 571.501 that shows the value of hemp and hemp products for any purpose for which hemp and hemp products may be found useful and profitable. (3) Study federal and state legislation with respect to tariffs, duties, reciprocal trade agreements, import quotas and other matters concerning the effect of the legislation on the hemp industry, and represent and protect the interests of the hemp industry with respect to any legislation, proposed legislation or executive action that may affect the hemp industry. (4) Act jointly and in cooperation with the federal government, or any federal agency, in the administration of any program of the federal government or federal agency that the commission determines is beneficial to the hemp industry in this state, and expend funds in connection with the administration of a program described in this subsection, provided that the program is compatible with the powers conferred on the commission by ORS 571.400 to 571.501. (5) Enter into contracts for advertising hemp and for developing new markets through advertising. (6) Develop plans or projects for promotion and advertising research, consumer information and industry information, and create programs that will lead to the development of new markets, marketing strategies, increased efficiency and activities to enhance the image of the hemp industry. (7) Appoint all subordinate officers and employees of the commission and establish their duties and compensation. (8) Levy the assessments described in ORS 571.447. (9) Borrow money in amounts that do not exceed estimated revenues from assessments for the year. (10) Enter into contracts for carrying out the duties of the commission, in addition to those duties described in subsection (5) of this section. (11) Subject to ORS 30.260 to 30.300, sue and be sued in the name of the commission. (12) Request that the Attorney General prosecute in the name of the State of Oregon suits and actions for the collection of assessments levied by the commission. (13) Participate in federal and state hearings or other proceedings concerning regulation of the manufacture, distribution, sale or use of pesticides as defined in ORS 634.006 or other chemicals that are of use or potential use to producers. This subsection does not authorize the commission to regulate the use of pesticides. (14) To the extent consistent with the duties of the commission, participate in and cooperate with local, state, national and international private organizations or governmental agencies that engage in work similar to that of the commission. (15) Provide mechanisms for maintaining and expanding existing markets and developing new domestic and international markets for hemp, including but not limited to: (a) Public relations programs; (b) Media relations programs; (c) Paid print and electronic advertising; (d) Point of sale promotion and coupon programs; and (e) Activities that prevent, modify or eliminate trade barriers that obstruct the free flow of hemp to market. (16) Conduct and fund research, in addition to that described in subsection (1) of this section, to: (a) Enhance the commercial value of hemp and hemp products; (b) Discover the benefits to public health, the environment or the economy of consuming or otherwise using hemp; (c) Develop better and more efficient production, harvesting, irrigation, processing, transportation, handling, marketing and uses of hemp; (d) Control or eradicate hazards to hemp, including but not limited to hazards from diseases, pests and weeds, while supporting coexistence between hemp and other agricultural crops, including marijuana; (e) Develop viable alternatives for the rotation of crops; (f) Determine new or potential demand for hemp and develop appropriate market development strategies for capturing that demand; and (g) Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising or promotional programs. (17) Gather, publicize and disseminate information that shows the importance of the consumption and other uses of hemp to public health, the environment, the economy and the proper nutrition of children and adults. (18) Further the purposes of this section by funding scholarships for or providing financial assistance to persons or entities interested in hemp. (19) Adopt rules as necessary to carry out the duties, functions and powers conferred on the commission by this section. [2021 c.216 §10]