The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a bill this Wednesday allowing universities with agricultural programs to study the growth and market potential of industrial hemp. The universities will still have to gain approval from the Drug Enforcement Administration in order to plant a crop.
House Bill 855, which would have permitted farmers to grow hemp with tetrahydrocannabinol levels of less than one percent, was amended to allow only for the university study for now. If the results of the study are favorable, farmers would be able to grow hemp after July 15, 2002.
“I’m disappointed that we are postponing an opportunity that could help farmers and agriculture in this state for two years or longer, mostly out of fear and misunderstanding,” said Rep. Steve Nunn (R-Glasgow).
The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
For more information, please contact Tom Dean, Esq., NORML Foundation Litigation Director at (202) 483-8751.
