Hemp Bill Passes, Kentucky: Senate Sets Up "Framework" For Legalizing Hemp Cultivation in the 'Bluegrass State'

The Senate has passed a bill on Thursday, permitting a regulatory "framework" for growing hemp if the federal government legalizes its production or grants a waiver for the state. The government currently prohibits the growing of the plant because of its relation to marijuana. This hemp bill passed 31 - 6. Legislation allowing American farmers to cultivate and profit for industrial hemp was also introduced on Thursday by Oregon Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Republican United States Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell.

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013 removes national constraints on the domestic farming of industrial hemp and defines it as a "non-drug" as long as it contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp used to be a chief crop in Kentucky and can be used to make paper among a wide variety of other uses. Because of its similarity to marijuana, hemp was banned after World War II despite its low percentage of THC. Advocates for this bill explain that you cannot get high from smoking hemp and that it can be a lucrative crop for Kentucky. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between marijuana and hemp and it makes law enforcement agencies' attempts at eradicating the potent drug harder.

Republican Senator Paul Hornbakc of Shelbyville is the bills sponsor. Though he admits the market for hemp is unknown, he asked the Senate to "give us an opportunity to see how this will work." Democratic Senators mostly supported this bill saying that hemp can easily be an "economic driver" and that getting high on hemp is "unfounded" Skeptics included Democratic Senate Speaker Greg Stumbo, who stated:

"The evidence doesn't show there's enough of a market for hemp to overcome law enforcement concerns. I think (the bill) will have a little tougher time down here."

When the time came to vote, 4 Republicans voted no, and Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) passed. Rogers is the founder of UNITE, a drug education, treatment and enforcement agency. He also represents a part of Kentucky that is wracked by drug abuse. Stivers did not explain his reason for passing, but the eradication of marijuana being hindered by the similarities of hemp is a main arguing point that most objectors took. Now the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will deliberate the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013 with a high probability of passing considering the amount of Democrats who have already showed support for the bill.