Pubdate: Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2015 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10

HEMP FARMING BILL PASSES HURDLE

A Senate bill that would allow farmers in the state to grow 
industrial hemp for research only has sailed through its first New 
Mexico House panel.

The Agriculture, Water and Wildlife Committee Wednesday unanimously 
approved and moved Albuquerque Democrat Sen. Cisco McSorley's 
proposed legislation to the Judiciary Committee.

McSorley's proposal would allow the New Mexico Department of 
Agriculture to set up regulations and fees for the processing of hemp 
for research and development, not for sale.

Hemp has a negligible content of THC, the psychoactive compound that 
gives marijuana users a high. Many products made from hemp, such as 
oils and clothing, are legal.

The federal government currently allows growing hemp for research. A 
bill pending in Congress, if passed, would approve cultivation for 
commercial production as well.
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