Pubdate: Mon, 08 Feb 2016
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2016 Star Advertiser
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154

LAWMAKERS CONSIDER INDUSTRIAL HEMP BILL

Hawaii residents say legalizing industrial hemp could spur business 
ventures ranging from home construction to selling hemp seed candy 
bars at Hawaii airports.

Lawmakers considered a bill Friday that would legalize and set rules 
for growing industrial hemp. The bill would require growers to 
register with the state and would clarify the difference between hemp 
and marijuana.

The bill would also require the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to 
research development of products, such as clothing, oils and seed. 
Supporters say industrial hemp production could boost the agriculture 
sector and help rural economies.

Nationwide at least 27 states have laws in place related to 
industrial hemp. In 2014 President Barack Obama signed the 2014 Farm 
Bill, which allowed universities and state departments to grow 
industrial hemp for limited uses.

- -Staff and Associated Press
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom