Pubdate: Thu, 11 Apr 2013
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Steve Raabe
Page: 11A

SENATE COMMITTEE OKS BILL ALLOWING HEMP'S INDUSTRIAL CULTIVATION

A Colorado Senate committee Wednesday unanimously approved a bill 
authorizing the industrial cultivation of hemp.

Hemp is a marijuana look-alike but with little or no THC, the 
psychoactive ingredient in pot that makes users high.

Advocates say hemp is poised to become a big industry in Colorado. 
The passage of Amendment 64 in November allows its legal cultivation 
pending legislative authorization.

The seeds and fibers of hemp have dozens of commercial uses in foods, 
cosmetics, textiles and building materials.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, 
would enable farmers to register for 10-acre research-and-development 
plots to test the viability of different hemp varieties.

The legislation would not prohibit larger commercial farms, but 
backers say it is unlikely that most farmers would choose to start on 
a large scale.

The bill requires passage from the full Senate and House before going 
to Gov. John Hickenlooper for signing into law.
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