1. Any researcher associated with or operating under an institution under the control of the state board of higher education is exempt from obtaining a license described under section 4.1-18.1-02 to grow hemp. A researcher shall notify the commissioner of the researcher's intent to plant hemp and provide the following information to the commissioner:
a. The name and contact information of the primary investigator; and b. The legal description of all land where hemp will be grown as part of the project.
2. The research institution shall ensure the primary investigator and all other project participants meet the criminal history background restrictions in section 4.1-18.1-02.