Kentucky set to be first state to legalize hemp production

[GP73LPC]

Kentucky set to be first state to legalize hemp production

The Kentucky legislature has agreed to allow industrial hemp to be produced within the state’s limits, a minor victory for many that will require the governor’s signature before the next step can occur.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) now has until April 6 to either veto the legislation or sign it into law, but even then the state won’t be allowed to simply start growing the plant to be used for anything from food to fuel: federal legislation outlaws production from coast to coast.
Even with Uncle Sam standing in the way, the state lawmakers that approved the measure say they are optimistic about having Washington overturn the federal ban. The group Vote Hemp says that the states of Colorado, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia have all previously approved legislation that legalizes hemp production, but the federal mandate has made actually growing the crop impossible everywhere within the US since it is still considered a Schedule I drug. With Kentucky signing on to be the latest state looking to grow, though, things could soon change on a federal level.
“This historic legislation puts Kentucky in position to be first in line if and when the federal government legalizes production of industrial hemp,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said in a statement this week. “By passing this bill, the General Assembly has signaled that Kentucky is serious about restoring industrial hemp production to the Commonwealth and doing it in the right way. That will give Kentucky’s congressional delegation more leverage when they seek a federal waiver allowing Kentucky farmers to grow hemp.”
“As soon as the governor signs the bill, I’ll be on the plane to Washington” to seek a waiver, added Comer.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) issued a statement on Wednesday morning after the news was reported in order to thanks his fellow lawmakers for moving forward with something he says will be instrumental in kick-starting his state’s economy.
“I commend the Kentucky General Assembly for final passage of Senate Bill 50. I want to thank Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Paul Hornback and the members of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission for their leadership and hard work in passing this legislation,” Sen. Paul said.
“Senate Bill 50 is an important step forward in the reintroduction of industrial hemp in Kentucky. I have pledged, along with Rep. John Yarmuth, to seek a waiver when a regulatory framework is in place. I will follow through on that pledge and I hope that Kentucky will soon start growing hemp, creating jobs and leading the nation in this industry again.”
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky.) also went on the record to urge for assistance from Washington as soon as possible to make harvesting hemp a reality.
"I will continue to work with Senator Paul on a federal approach that would enable Kentucky farmers to cultivate and profit from industrial hemp in a way that does not compromise Kentucky law enforcement's marijuana eradication efforts or in any way promote illegal drug use," he said.
Kerri Richardson, a spokesperson for Gov. Beshear, tells the Courier Journal, “The governor is going to review the bill and talk with law enforcement before making any decision.”
Federal restrictions with regards to marijuana began in the early 1900s, but those laws in turn outlawed the production of hemp which, while related to the illegal plant, has a number of desirable qualities and little-to-know detrimental effects.
“While marijuana has a potency range of 3 percent to 20 percent by dry weight of THC, industrial hemp is generally defined as having less than 1.0 percent THC,” says the Arizona Industrial Hemp Council.“Moreover, hemp contains a relatively high percentage of another cannabinoid, CBD, that actually blocks the marijuana high. Hemp, it turns out, is not only not marijuana; it could be called ‘antimarijuana.’”

http://rt.com/usa/hemp-kentucky-industrial-production-018/


let's hope this passes as government in the US is slowly starting to pull it's head out of it's ass.

 

[k-s-p]

Tomorrow is the day. We'll see what Beshear does.

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Technically, Colorado beat them to it... the legislation just hasn't been put in place yet.

Cool beans for kentucky though

Stay Safe!

 

[GP73LPC]

cool pics k-s-p

fingers crossed

 

[messn'n'gommin']

Not really a step directly to legalization of recreational use, but definitely a step in the right direction!

Don't remember the exact words he used, but the other day, Beshear used language indicating he's backing off, of not signing.

 

[GP73LPC]

well that's a damn shame. could be a nice economy boost...

 

[The Sensi Rebel]

Awesome! Great.

Johnny Boone and his boys would be proud.

If you don't already know, look up Johnny Boone and the Cornbread Mafia. True outlaw for life.

-TSR

 

[Nirvana_Papaya]

Good news, but hemp production is already legal in like 13 states, no one grows it though because the feds will treat them like they are growing marijuana.

 

[Pinball Wizard]

Mitch the 'Bitch' will have the final say so...what he sez, usually goes. (in Kentucky)

Is the hemp market really that strong?

 

[k-s-p]

Beshear let the bill pass by default. He didn't have the balls to sign it, but he didn't have the balls to veto it either. Baby steps.

And Wiz, you're exactly right. Cabbage Patch Closet boy Mitch gets what he wants here mostly.

 

[zeke99]

Kerri Richardson, a spokesperson for Gov. Beshear, tells the Courier Journal, “The governor is going to review the bill and talk with law enforcement before making any decision.”

The cops, not his wife and I'm guessing not a plurality of the voters, have his balls in a vase. Don't politics make you sick?