hemp research Archives - TheJointBlog

WA Governor Vetoes Hemp Legalization Bill to Punish Legislators for Something Unrelated

March 14, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

In a perfect example of how to improperly run a state, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has vetoed 27 bills – over 70% of all legislation passed by the state’s legislature this session – to punish lawmakers for something unrelated; not passing a budget bill.

One of the measures vetoed by Inslee – Senate Bill 6206 – would have legalized the cultivation of hemp for research purposes, including directing Washington State University to study the plant. The measure was passed unanimously in the House of Representatives, and 48 to 1 in the Senate. Although the governor calls it a “worthy bill”, he vetoed it and says he can’t support it until “a budget agreement is reached”.

Nevada Governor Signs Hemp Research Bill Into law

June 8, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has signed into law legislation that allows hemp to be cultivated for research purposes.

Senate Bill 305, introduced by Senator Tick Segerblom and passed by the state’s legislature with a unanimous vote, allows universities in the state, as well as the state’s Department of Agriculture, to grow and produce hemp for the purposes of researching the plant, with hemp being defined as having no more than 0.3% THC.

Hemp Legalization Bill Unanimously Approved by New Mexico House Committee

March 11, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

New Mexico’s House Agriculture, Water and Wildlife Committee has unanimously passed the Industrial Hemp Farming Act, a proposal to legalize the cultivation and production of hemp for research purposes. The proposal passed the full Senate with a 33 to 8 vote earlier this month.

The proposal, filed by Senator Cisco McSorley, would establish a regulatory system for the cultivation and production of hemp for those wanting to conduct research on the crop. The proposal also allows for the cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes, though that portion of the law won’t take effect until there’s a change in federal law.

Virginia Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Virginia’s Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee has voted unanimously to approve the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015, a proposal to establish a hemp research program. The measure, which has already been approved unanimously by the state’s House of Delegates, will go to Governor Terry McAuliffe once passed by the full Senate.

If approved into law, House Bill 1277 would direct the Virginia Department of Agriculture to establish an industrial hemp research program, including determining specific regulation. Universities in the state would be authorized to cultivate and study the plant.

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.”

Virginia House Committee Approves Hemp Bill

January 30, 2015January 30, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Virginia’s House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resource voted 13 to 7 Thursday to approve House Bill 1277, a proposal to legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes.

“If you look at the potential economic advantages that industrial hemp would provide for the state, particularly the Southside and the Southwest, it could be an economic boon in terms of the amount of research we could do on it,” says Delegate Joseph R. Yost, the measure’s primary sponsor.

New York Governor Signs Hemp Proposal Into Law

December 21, 2014December 21, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this week signed into law a proposal that legalizes the cultivation and production of hemp for research purposes. The proposal, put forth by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom O’Mara, passed the state’s House and Senate earlier this year.

Under the new law, New York’s Department of Agriculture, as well as universities in the state, are authorized to cultivate and produce hemp for the purposes of research. With President Obama recently signing a federal spending bill which prohibits the DEA from interfering with state-sanctioned hemp research programs, New York will have some added security as they move forward with implementation of this new law.

Illinois Governor Signs Hemp Research Bill Into Law

September 25, 2014August 26, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed House Bill 5085 into law, a proposal to allow universities and the state’s Department of Agriculture to study industrial hemp. The bill was passed unanimously in the state’s Senate in May, and was approved by the House shortly after with an 81 to 34 vote.

Under the new law, an institution of higher education and the state’s Department of Agriculture is authorized to cultivate hemp if their studying the growth, cultivation and marketing of the plant.

Connecticut Governor Signs Hemp Research Bill Into Law

June 13, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has officially signed into law a proposal (House Bill 5476) to allow the state to study the feasibility of legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp.

Connecticut's flag. — Connecticut’s flag.

Under the new law, the Commissioners of Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development will be tasked with studying the feasibility of legalizing industrial hemp for “the purpose of encouraging economic development and increasing the number of new businesses in this state.” The state has until January 1st to establish a limit on the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) allowed in industrial hemp.

New York House and Senate Passes Hemp Proposal

July 8, 2014June 12, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Yesterday New York’s full Senate and House of Representatives approved a proposal to legalize the cultivation of hemp for research purposes, making New York the 16th state to do so. The measure now heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo for consideration.

“This bill positions New York state to take advantage of what will certainly become a new industry,” says Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, the bill’s primary sponsor in the Assembly. “Not only will this allow us to begin researching potential uses for this lucrative crop, but also the potential for new manufacturing and markets across the state.”