An industrial hemp bill establishing a four-year pilot program passed the Maryland House of Delegates on March 31 with a 128-8 vote, and unanimously passed the Maryland Senate this past Monday.
If signed into law by Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D), the pilot program would begin on July 1, 2000. The legislation requires that the state’s secretary of agriculture administer the pilot program in consultation with state and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, which would have to approve any cultivation plots. According to the legislation, only state-owned land may be used to cultivate industrial hemp during the duration of the study.
“Industrial hemp’s utility is well-established throughout the world,” said Scott Colvin, NORML Publication’s Director. “It is wonderful to see Maryland joining the growing number of states that are attempting to boost a sagging farm industry with an ecologically and economically sound crop like hemp.”
For more information, please contact Scott Colvin, NORML Publications Director at (202) 483-5500.
