Law Makers Agree on Hemp Production

Law Makers Agree on Hemp Production

Rick Worthington
Rick Worthington
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky recently introduced a bill that would legalize hemp production in America.

None other that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signed on as a co-sponor.

Erica McBride, President and CEO of the National Hemp Association, says it's exciting that hemp production is one of the few things the two leaders can agree on.

McConnell, R-Ky., who pledges to give the legalization effort "everything we've got," is expediting the legislation and lining up key support from across the aisle as backers seek to convince otherwise tough-on-drugs Republicans to come along.

"This has become one of his priorities," Comer, the former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner turned congressman said of McConnell.

McConnell's support could help sway the "handful of members who still cringe when I come up to talk to them about hemp," Comer said.

McConnell took the conservative approach this week on the Senate floor, arguing that Kentucky farmers reeling from the slump in the tobacco market, have wanted to grow industrial hemp, but that the federal government has "stood in the way."

He noted that his legislation, which would remove hemp from the list of controlled substances, would ensure that hemp is distinguished from what he called its "illicit cousin."

Just for clarification, Hemp is not the same thing as Marijuana, but they are both from the Cannabis family. Hemp and marijuana serve completely different purposes... While you have a pretty good idea what marijuana is used for, Hemp is usually used in dietary supplements, skin products, clothing, and so on.

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