Maine Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto of Bill Allowing Hemp Cultivation

Maine Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto of Bill Allowing Hemp Cultivation

Maine’s Legislature has overwhelmingly voted to override Governor Paul LePage’s veto of LD4, a proposal that allows farmers in the state to cultivate industrial hemp without first receiving approval from the federal government.

Last year, Maine lawmakers passed a bill legalizing the cultivation of hemp, but a provision in the measure prevented hemp from being grown before federal law is changed. LD4 removes this barrier, allowing hemp to be cultivated now, without the necessity of a change in federal law. Governor LePage vetoed the measure after passing nearly unanimously in the Legislature, and now the legislature has overridden that veto with a 27 to 6 vote in the Senate, and a 135 to 6 vote in the House of Representatives.

The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately. According to the measure, this is because “farmers need adequate time to prepare for their upcoming growing seasons,’ and supporters wanted to make sure the process moved forward immediately.”

The new hemp industry will be regulated by the state’s Department of Agriculture.

– TheJointBlog