Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2013
Source: Glasgow Daily Times (KY)
Copyright: 2013 Glasgow Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2078
Note: - Daily News, Bowling Green

HEMP LEGALIZATION WILL BE GOOD ECONOMIC MOVE

Public opinion in Kentucky seems to be becoming more receptive to the 
legalization of hemp in our state.

Many people may not know this, but industrial hemp once flourished in 
Kentucky, especially during World War II, when farmers were 
encouraged to grow it for the war effort because other industrial 
fibers were in short supply.

But the crop hasn't been grown in decades since the federal 
government moved to classify hemp as a controlled substance related 
to marijuana.

Being able to legally grow hemp could be a huge economic boon for our state.

U.S. retail sales of hemp products exceeded $400 million last year. 
At least 30 countries produce hemp commercially and most of the hemp 
imported into the U.S. is grown in China, Canada and Europe. Hemp can 
be turned into paper, clothing, food, biofuels, auto parts, lotions 
and other products.

Legalization would be good not only economically, it would also 
benefit farmers and produce jobs to convert the plants into products.

Despite a slowly improving economy, jobs are still badly needed and 
the legalization of hemp would play a role in creating additional jobs.

Support for the legalization of hemp has come from some of the most 
powerful voices in our state.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined fellow Republican U.S. Sen. 
Rand Paul in calling for the legalization of the crop.

They join state Secretary of Agriculture James Comer, who has 
championed the cause and revived a hemp commission.

These are some very influential politicians who could have a lot of 
influence in making the legalization of hemp a reality.

There will soon be hearings on this issue in Frankfort. The Kentucky 
Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to review legislation to 
strictly regulate industrial hemp production in Kentucky, provided 
the federal government lifts its decades-long ban on the crop.

It is understandable that law enforcement is wary of this 
legalization. They are concerned that they would have a hard time 
distinguishing between hemp and marijuana.

But Comer's office has assured law enforcement agencies that it would 
be produced "in a way that does not compromise Kentucky law 
enforcement's marijuana eradication efforts or in any way promote 
illegal drug use."

We have no reason to doubt Comer's word and are hopeful that the 
Legislature votes to allow the legalization of this crop.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom