Sunday, March 30, 2014

Nebraska senators OK bill that allows growing industrial hemp for research

Source: omaha.com

LINCOLN – Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill Thursday that would dip the state's toes into industrial hemp production.

Legislative Bill 1001, passed 39-2, would allow the University of Nebraska and State Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp for research. 

The measure, introduced by Sen. Norm Wallman of Cortland, mirrors the new federal farm bill, which makes such research an exception to federal drug laws. 

Industrial hemp is a close plant cousin to marijuana but has very little of the high-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. 

Supporters say it could be a good alternative crop for Nebraska farmers and could be used to produce a multitude of products. Opponents worry that legalizing industrial hemp would be a step toward legalizing marijuana.




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