Pubdate: Tue, 12 Mar 2013
Source: Glasgow Daily Times (KY)
Copyright: 2013 Glasgow Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2078
Page: A6

STUMBO: HEMP BILL IS DEAD

FRANKFORT - House Speaker Greg Stumbo says Kentucky's industrial hemp
bill is dead.

Stumbo told reporters Monday the bill is stuck in a committee, and
it's too late for the House to vote on the measure based on General
Assembly rules.

The proposal would let Kentucky quickly license hemp growers if the
federal government lifts its ban on the plant. The bill already
cleared the Senate.

Stumbo's statement angered the bill's supporters. Republican House
Leader Jeff Hoover said Stumbo could suspend the rules and put the
bill to a vote. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said the measure
could create jobs.

The proposal is unpopular among law enforcement officials who say hemp
could be used to camouflage marijuana, which has similar leaves but
far less potency.
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