This past Tuesday, the first legal industrial hemp crop was planted on U.S. soil since it was banned after World War II. Gov. Benjamin Cayetano (D) proclaimed the day “Industrial Hemp Day in Hawaii.”
“This historic event marks the beginning of a change in federal policy, one which I believe will lead to Drug Enforcement Agency ‘farmer friendly’ regulations within the next year,” said Rep. Cynthia Theilen (R-Kailua), sponsor of the legislation legalizing industrial hemp in Hawaii.
Legislation approving the test project was signed by Cayetano in July. Hawaii became the third state this year to pass legislation legalizing industrial hemp, but it is the first to receive DEA approval to grow it. The research project is being funded by a $200,000 grant from hemp shampoo maker Alterna. The money from Alterna was used to finance construction for the research facility which is secured by fencing and a 24-hour infrared security system.
“This is a huge step for Hawaii and the U.S. as a whole,” said plant geneticist David West, Ph.D., who will be directing the research. “Once the DEA removes its restrictions on growing industrial hemp freely outside of the test plot trials, the vast economic and ecological benefits of this plant will make themselves known to American farmers.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director at (202) 483-8751 or Rep. Cynthia Theilen at (808) 586-6480.
