Kentucky wants to make hemp a cash crop again

Related Photos

Hemp seeds stock photo

Discussion

February 15, 2013

Kentucky wants to make hemp a cash crop again

Anonymous CNHI News Service The Meridian Star Fri Feb 15, 2013, 03:38 PM CST

FRANKFORT, Ky. — State lawmakers would like to see a plant that is biologically similar to marijuana once again grow tall in Kentucky fields.

The state Senate passed a bill to legalize growing hemp if the federal government — which currently bans growing the plant — legalizes its production or grants the state a waiver.

Meanwhile, Kentucky’s two Republican U.S. Senators, Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell, along with Oregon Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, introduced legislation to allow American farmers to cultivate and profit from industrial hemp.

Their bill would remove federal restrictions on the domestic cultivation of industrial hemp, which is currently is a Schedule I controlled substance.

Hemp used to be a major crop in Kentucky. Famed statesman Henry Clay was a major producer and seller of the plant, which can be used to manufacture paper, composite materials and oils for a variety of products and uses.

But after World War II, the government banned hemp because of its similarity to marijuana. Hemp has a much lower percentage of THC, the chemical that produces the marijuana smoker’s high.

Proponents say smokers can’t get high smoking hemp and that it offers Kentucky a potentially lucrative agricultural crop.

But law enforcement agencies say it is impossible to distinguish by sight between the two and say it will make their marijuana eradication efforts more difficult.

---

Details for ths story were provided by Ronnie Ellis, Frankfort bureau chief for CNHI News Service.

Text Only

Community News Network

In fan fiction, your favorite characters do what you want them to
When J.J. Abrams took over the "Star Trek" franchise in 2009, he boldly went where the series hadn't gone before — romantically — pairing Uhura with Spock. Many fans disliked the change. Some loved it. Others didn't care, because they just wanted to see Kirk and Spock make out.

May 22, 2013 1 Photo
VIDEO: Orlando shootout tied to Boston bomb suspect
The FBI says it was involved in a fatal shooting near Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. CBS News senior correspondent John Miller reports that the victim was a friend of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older brother suspected in the Boston Marathon bombing.

May 22, 2013 1 Photo
Okla. officials vow not to quit looking until everyone is found
The tornado that killed 24 people and injured at least 100 others in the Moore and Oklahoma City area cut a 17-mile-long path that started in Newcastle and ended at Lake Stanley Draper. Nine of the dead are children.

May 22, 2013 1 Photo 1 Slideshow
Photos: Aftermath of massive tornado in Moore Storm victims were pulled from the rubble and residents began surveying the damage late Monday and early Tuesday in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, where a powerful tornado destroyed entire neighborhoods and left dozens dead.
May 21, 2013
Where to get the best deal on beer, haircuts, movies
Looking for a good deal on a six-pack of beer? Try Charlotte. A haircut that won't burn a hole in your wallet? Harlingen, Texas, is your best bet. A trip to the movies? Hilo, Hawaii, is supposed to be nice this time of year.

May 21, 2013 1 Photo
VIDEO: Tornado survivor's missing dog found during TV interview
Barbara Garcia was being interviewed by CBS News about how she survived the destruction of her home to Monday's massive tornado in Moore, when the dog she feared dead was suddenly discovered alive in the rubble of her home.

May 21, 2013 1 Photo
Okla. front pages capture tornado aftermath View how several Oklahoma newspapers covered Monday's massive tornado in Moore. Please note that officials revised the death toll downward early Tuesday morning after some papers were printed, but it is expected to climb again as recovery efforts continue.
May 21, 2013
VIDEO: Pres. Obama's remarks on the Okla. tornado
President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.

May 21, 2013 1 Photo
SLIDESHOW: Tornado passes through Oklahoma A fast-moving storm brought rain, hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma late Sunday afternoon and evening.
May 20, 2013
Officer treated and released after injuries from Oklahoma windstorm
Enid, Okla. police officer Lee Friesendahl was treated and released at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saturday night after his patrol car was struck by a strong windstorm triggered by a heat burst.

May 20, 2013 1 Photo
More Community News Network Headlines

Community News Network

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Kentucky wants to make hemp a cash crop again

Lauderdale County School District officials will conduct a live "shooter drill" at West Lauderdale Elementary School Wednesday. Would you like to see other area school districts follow suit?

Site Map

Contact Us