Pubdate: Mon, 03 Feb 2014
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2014 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Arian Campo-Flores

Legal Hemp Cultivation Gets Boost From Pending Farm Bill

Legal cultivation of hemp-a cousin of marijuana used to make 
everything from fabrics to pharmaceuticals-is closer to becoming 
reality as a result of a provision tucked into the farm bill that 
passed the House last week. Federal law effectively prohibits the 
cultivation of hemp, making no distinction between that plant and 
marijuana, which is much more potent. However, nine states have 
passed laws legalizing industrial hemp farming, including California, 
Kentucky and Vermont, according to Vote Hemp, a not-for-profit advocacy group.

If the legislation becomes law, universities and agriculture 
departments in those states would be able to grow it for research 
purposes, with the hope that commercial production could be on the 
horizon. Permits to grow hemp for research purposes are technically 
available now, though they are extremely difficult to get.

"We are laying the groundwork for a new commodity market for Kentucky 
farmers," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), who 
helped craft the language in the farm bill, said in a statement. 
Farmers there have struggled to find a replacement for tobacco, which 
is being grown less. The farm legislation, which drew bipartisan 
backing, has now moved to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

Proponents hailed the House vote as an important step toward 
legalizing commercial farming of hemp, which like marijuana is 
effectively barred under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. In 
marijuana, the concentration of the psychoactive chemical 
tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is 10% on average, and sometimes much 
more. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, can't have more than 0.3% 
THC under the farm-bill provision.

Separate bills with bipartisan support in the House and Senate would 
exclude industrial hemp from the 1970 law and allow states to 
regulate its cultivation. Hemp advocates hope passage of the farm 
bill will boost those measures' chances.

Supporters say full legalization could create a vibrant new industry. 
Despite curbs on hemp cultivation, hemp-based products such as 
carpeting and cosmetics can be imported legally, from countries 
including Canada, the U.K. and China. Retail sales of such goods 
reached nearly $500 million in 2012, according to the Hemp Industries 
Association.

But to build up a U.S. industry would require research, said Eric 
Steenstra, president of Vote Hemp. Though farmers cultivated it 
legally for much of U.S. history-before it was effectively banned 
under the 1970 law-production petered out in the late 1950s. That 
means today's farmers must start from scratch to figure out which 
varieties grow best in different climates, and when to plant and 
harvest the crop, Mr. Steenstra said. Not everyone is thrilled at the 
prospect of hemp farms popping up. Some law-enforcement groups say 
the crop looks similar to marijuana and could interfere with 
drug-interdiction efforts.

Still, some states appear poised to act. Oregon, which passed a law 
permitting hemp cultivation in 2009, is already working on setting up 
rules to regulate production, said Bruce Pokarney, director of 
communications at the state Department of Agriculture.

In Kentucky, which passed a similar measure last year, Agriculture 
Commissioner James Comer has made hemp a signature issue. If the farm 
bill passes, he said, the state plans to license farmers to grow hemp 
this year. He said he also has been in talks with companies that 
could process hemp seeds and fiber.

One business group he said he is meeting with this week is interested 
in using hemp hurd, a material in the center of the stalk, to make 
bedding for animals ranging from birds to livestock. That could be a 
big seller in the state's large equine industry, he said.

"It will take several years to develop," Mr. Comer said. But 
"hopefully, Kentucky is positioned to be the leader in this emerging industry."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom