NEW CUMBERLAND — The comment period is still ongoing, but Hancock County Schools officials have made some adjustments to its proposed hemp policy.

The county Board of Education, during its Oct. 15 regular meeting, agreed to place the policy up for a 30-day public comment period.

In the meantime, according to Superintendent Dan Enich, a few adjustments already have been made, based on some comments received and advice from the board’s legal counsel.

“It does not pre-empt or start the clock over,” Enich said during Monday’s board meeting, explaining the comment period will continue as previously scheduled, with an updated version of the proposed policy already posted on the Hancock County Schools website.

The comment period for the proposed policy will be completed on Nov. 13.

The Policy Related to Industrial Hemp Based Products, is being developed “to address the issue of possession of industrial hemp products by students enrolled in all schools in Hancock County, West Virginia,” according to a copy of the proposed policy.

The policy notes “the use and possession of hemp based products in the school by students presents a clear danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the Board’s students and employees. All students shall be made aware of this policy and its requirements as explained herein.”

The West Virginia Legislature already has adopted regulations concerning hemp and hemp products, under West Virginia Code Chapter 19, Article 12E, with the school policy focusing on items such as vapes, vape pens, carts, cart pens, Penjamin cart pens, “and any other device used to store and deliver a hemp based product.”

Under state code, those under the age of 21 possessing such product can be charged with a misdemeanor, and face jail time of up to one year or a fine of up to $1,000.

Violations of the school policy, if adopted, “may result in an out of school suspension for up to ten days and possible expulsion for up to one school year.”

If implemented, the policy will be included in forms provided to students and their parents or guardians, which must be signed and returned to the school administration.

Enich noted, if implemented, the policy will stand apart from those already existing for issues addressing the possession or use of illegal substances.

“It is a new policy,” Enich said. “It will have its own call letters.”

Once the comment period has been completed, the policy will go before the school board for its consideration.