Sunday, April 1, 2012

Legislative notebook: No Hemp Farming in Minnesota

By: Don Davis
Source: pinejournal.com


No hemp farming
Minnesota farmers still will not be able to grow hemp, the House decided Friday on a 74-52 vote.
When considering what otherwise was a noncontroversial farm bill, Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, offered an amendment to allow hemp farming once the federal government approves it.

Kahn said Minnesota farmers should have the same ability as those in North Dakota to grow the product that can be used for paper, fuel and other products.

“One of the favorite lotions that I have is made out of hemp,” Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, said, holding up a bottle of the product.

Northwestern Minnesota is a good place to grow hemp, added Rep. Kent Eken, DFL-Twin Valley, saying it would give farmers in his area another commodity they could grow to make money.

However, bill sponsor Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, said the proposal should have been considered by the Agriculture Committee, not by the full House.

Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Good Thunder, said law enforcement agencies oppose the hemp proposal because of its close relationship with marijuana.

Representatives also turned down attempts to allow a wider sale of raw milk and to urge the federal government to drop Cuba trade sanctions.



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