Delegate Joseph Yost Archives

Virginia Governor Signs Hemp Legalization Bills Into Law

March 27, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has signed into law legislation to legalize the production and cultivation of industrial hemp.

House Bill 1277 and Senate Bill 955 would redefine hemp as an agricultural commodity and allow for the plant’s cultivation by licensed growers as part of a university-managed research program.

“Hemp is good for agriculture, it is good for the environment and is good for jobs”, says Delegate Joseph Yost, the bill’s primary sponsor. “[The bill] sets up the necessary framework for Virginia to begin immediately moving forward on researching industrial hemp and eventually moving towards full commercialization.”

Hemp Legalization Bill Approved by Virginia Legislature, Sent to Governor

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation to legalize hemp cultivation has been approved by Virginia’s full Legislature, and has been sent to Governor Terry McAuliffe for consideration.

“I am thrilled with the progress this bill has made and the support it gained since its beginnings eight months ago,” says Delegate Joseph Yost, the bill’s primary sponsor. “Hemp is good for agriculture, it is good for the environment and is good for jobs”. Yost explains that the bill “sets up the necessary framework for Virginia to begin immediately moving forward on researching industrial hemp and eventually moving towards full commercialization.”

Hemp Bill Approved by Virginia’s House of Delegates

February 4, 2015February 3, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Virginia’s full House of Delegates has given approval to House Bill 1277, a proposal to legalize the cultivation and production of industrial hemp for research purposes.

“Industrial hemp can be used as a cheaply produced alternative component in numerous modern products, including fabrics, building materials, composites used in cars and insulation,” says Delegate Joseph Yost, the measure’s primary sponsor. “Virginia has a long history of safe industrial hemp production, as early settlers in Jamestown grew hemp for paper, rope and clothing.”