Federal Legislation Introduced to End Industrial Hemp Prohibition
Congressmen James Comer (R-KY), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Thomas Massie (R-KY) have introduced federal legislation to the federal prohibition on industrial hemp.
The Industrial Hemp Farming Act exempts industrial hemp from the Controlled Substance Act’s definition of marijuana, creates a new category for hemp research at universities and state departments of agriculture, and allows for further commercialization of industrial hemp crops.
“I am honored to sponsor the Industrial Hemp Farming Act because I know firsthand the economic viability of industrial hemp. Hemp has created new opportunities for family farmers and good paying jobs for American workers, especially in Kentucky,” said Representative Comer who led the successful industrial hemp efforts in Kentucky as the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.
“Industrial hemp isn’t a new crop to the United States, but most Americans aren’t aware of the wide range of legitimate uses for it”, says Congressman Bob Goodlatte. “I’ve met many Virginia farmers who are ready to commercially produce and create a market for industrial hemp in the U.S., but outdated, though well-intentioned, federal restrictions on the cultivation and commercialization of this crop stand in the way.”
According to Goodlatte, by removing industrial hemp from the definition of a controlled substance, “the Industrial Hemp Farming Act will finally allow for responsible, commercial production of industrial hemp without fear of violating federal law.” Goodlatte says the bipartisan legislation is the product of many months of robust discussion with both lawmakers and stakeholders. “I am pleased to see it introduced today, and I look forward to moving this legislation through the House”, said Goodlatte.
“Industrial hemp is a sustainable crop and could be a great economic opportunity for Kentucky farmers,” said Rep. Massie. “I’m optimistic that we can get the Industrial Hemp Farming Act to the President’s desk this Congress.