New Bill Filed in Nebraska to Legalize Hemp

New Bill Filed in Nebraska to Legalize Hemp

Nebraska State Senator Norman Wallman has introduced a new measure, Legislative Bill 1001, that would effectively legalize the cultivation and sales of hemp by removing it from the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, where it currently resides as a Schedule 1 drug, classified along with the rest of the cannabis plant. The measure has been referred to the Judiciary Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature, and, having already received its first hearing, awaits receival of a vote.

Under the proposed measure, farmers would need to pay a $150 yearly fee to obtain a license to grow hemp, at which point they would be granted full ability to cultivate, process and sell their product.

While many people recognize the vast benefits hemp offers, such as an eco-friendly alternative to everything from fossil fuels to paper products, economic stimulation through local production of a commodity that boasts a multi-billion dollar market, and even health benefits derived from hemp seed oil (which is high in Omega fatty acids required by the human body), some lawmakers may still need convincing.

Those who support hemp legalization should contact members of the Nebraska State Legislature Judicial Committee – particularly the Chairman, Senator Brad Ashford – and ask for their support on LB 1001. The Chairman has the ability to put the measure to a vote and progress the bill toward a full floor vote, or deny a vote and kill the bill where it stands.

You can find contact information for the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Ashford, by clicking here. A full list of members of the committee can be found here.

– TheJointBlog