The intent of this chapter is to: (1) Promote exploration of the cultivation and processing of hemp and the potential to open up new commercial markets for farmers and businesses through the sale of hemp products; (2) Explore expansion of the state’s hemp industry and allow farmers and businesses to begin to cultivate, handle, and process hemp and sell hemp products for commercial purposes; (3) Encourage and empower research into growing hemp and creating hemp products at universities and in the private sector; (4) Ultimately move the state and its citizens to the forefront of the hemp industry; (5) Balance the desire to explore the cultivation and processing of hemp with public health, safety, and welfare regarding the potential for unwanted and unlawful uses of chemical elements of hemp; and 633 2-23-3 (6) Enable the department, licensees, and universities to promote the cultivation and processing of hemp and the commercial sale of hemp products. History. — Code 1981, § 2-23-2, enacted by Ga. L. 2019, p. 1030, § 1/HB 213. 2-23-3. Definitions.