Pubdate: Mon, 12 Mar 2012
Source: Daily Independent (Ashland, KY)
Copyright: 2012 The Daily Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dailyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1573
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

INCHING FORWARD

State Legislators Are at Least Discussing Industrial Hemp

Is industrial hemp - once a major cash crop in Kentucky - about to 
make a comeback in the state? Maybe although major obstacles would 
still have to be overcome before Kentucky farmers could again legally 
grow hemp, which produces strong fibers used in fabrics, ropes and 
other materials.

The biggest of those obstacles is the federal ban on hemp production. 
While the Kentucky General Assembly could legalize hemp, it will do 
little good unless Congress lifts the federal restrictions on hemp, a 
cousin to marijuana.

For many years, some Kentuckians have promoted hemp as an excellent 
alternative cash crop to tobacco. The late Gatewood Galbraith, a 
perennial candidate for governor and other offices, was a strong 
advocate for industrial hemp, but his argument in support of the crop 
was weakened by Galbraith's support of legalizing marijuana for 
medicinal purposes. Actor Woody Harrelson made several 
well-publicized trips to Kentucky to advocate for the legalization of 
hemp. He wore clothes made of hemp and even spoke to at least one 
school classroom. To the surprise of many, the Kentucky Farm Bureau 
even came out in support of industrial hemp as a cash crop.

But hemp has had few supporters in the Kentucky General Assembly. 
That's because legislators fear supporting industrial hemp would 
portray them as being pro-marijuana.

But the times they are achanging in Frankfort. For the first time 
ever, two bills to allow the production of industrial hemp have 
received a hearing. The House Agriculture and Small Business 
Committee held a hearing Wednesday on the two bills. Neither bill was 
called for a vote, and the odds of either bill being approved by the 
2012 General Assembly remain long. Nevertheless, hemp at least is 
being debated publicly in the General Assembly.

One reason for the change is the election of Jamie Comer, a former 
legislator, a farmer and a hemp proponent, as agriculture 
commissioner. The hemp issue was a centerpiece in last year's race 
for agriculture commissioner, which was won decisively by Comer, the 
only Republican to win a statewide race. However, we don't think hemp 
was the deciding issue in the race. Comer clearly was the superior 
candidate in his race against Democrat Bob Farmer, who was a farmer 
only in name.

Comer contends growing industrial hemp would allow expansion of 
Kentucky farm markets and create jobs in rural communities. 
Industrial hemp is used to make fuel, cattle feed, textiles, paper, 
lotion, cosmetics and other products. Though it contains only trace 
amounts of the mind-altering chemical tetrahydrocannabinol that makes 
marijuana intoxicating, it remains illegal in the U.S.

Ed Shemelya, regional marijuana coordinator in the Appalachian High 
Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, said police continue to oppose 
legalization of hemp because there's no way to visually distinguish 
it from marijuana. "It's an enforcement nightmare," Shemelya said.

State Rep. Keith Hall, Dphelps, said he believes people are beginning 
to realize the potential economic value of hemp and that is allowing 
political leaders to feel more comfortable in promoting it.

Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-hopkinsville, said he expects the federal 
government will lift the ban on hemp production in the future, and 
that he wants Kentucky to be ready to plant the crop as soon as that happens.

Kentucky has an ideal climate for hemp production and during World 
War II it was a leading grower of the plant. Will it be again? Don't 
hold your breath, but attitudes are definitely changing.

Frankly, it is difficult to determine if a broad market for 
industrial hemp would develop if it were legalized. For example, hemp 
was once used to make ropes, but manufacturers are not likely to stop 
producing nylon ropes and return to hemp ropes. Will American 
consumers buy clothes made out of hemp instead of cotton, wool and 
synthetic fibers? Will paper mills start using hemp instead of trees 
to make their product?

These and other questions will never be answered as long as Congress 
bans industrial hemp. The hemp bills are not going to be approved by 
the 2012 General Assembly, but at least they are being heard. That's 
a tiny step forward.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom