Landmark industrial hemp farming bill becomes Kentucky law
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Kentucky has passed bill SB50 for industrial hemp farming, which has now become law. The bill received strong bipartisan support in the Senate, but was contentious making its way through the House.
“Kentucky has a long history of industrial hemp farming, and the state is poised to lead the hemp farming and processing industry again, as soon as the federal government recognizes the value of hemp and allows states to oversee its production,” says Vote Hemp President, Eric Steenstra.
Thirty-one states have introduced pro-hemp legislation and nineteen have passed. However, although State’s can authorize farmers to grow hemp, farmers could risk raids by federal agents, face prison time or face property and civil asset forfeiture if they attempt to grow hemp. The federal policy still classifies certain varieties of Cannabis (i.e. industrial hemp) from psychoactive drug varieties like marihuana.
“I thank Senator Paul Hornback for introducing SB 50 and ensuring that we have a responsible framework in place for industrial hemp production in Kentucky. But our work is far from over. In May of this year, I plan to lead a bipartisan delegation to Washington, D.C. to pursue a permit that would allow Kentucky to be the first state to grow industrial hemp and benefit from the jobs that will result,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said.
The full text of the bill can be found at: http://www.VoteHemp.com/KY.