Lawmakers want NY to compete in the hemp industry

By Matthew Dondiego
Source: legislativegazette.com



Hoping to join a growing number of states beginning to explore the hemp industry, two state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would green light hemp farming in New York.

In February, President Barrack Obama signed into law the Agriculture Act of 2014, which allows for the growth and development of hemp by state departments of agriculture or authorized academic institutions.

"The farm bill opens a door for New York to begin taking advantage of this multi-use crop," said Donna Lupardo, the Assembly sponsor of the bill (A.9140/S.7047).

In a statement, Lupardo, a Democrat representing the Binghamton area, said "Hemp has the potential to be a new opportunity for our emerging agricultural industry. Both its stalk and seed can be used for textiles, building materials, paper, food and environmental products like biofuels."

Prior to the passage of the federal farm bill, hemp, due to originating from the same plant as marijuana, was banned under the Controlled Substance Act. Hemp does in fact contain THC, although it is at much lower levels than the levels of THC in marijuana — hemp has between .05 percent compared to cannabis which contains levels up to 20 percent.

Ten states have already adopted laws permitting the production and study of hemp and is produced in more than 30 countries worldwide. The plant can be used to produce a wide variety of items such as fabrics, ropes, paper, oil, soap and certain foods as well. Hemp also is rich in both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and proteins, offering positive health benefits for humans and animals.

In addition to any health benefits, sales revenue from imported hemp products in 2012 is estimated to have been $500 million, according to Lupardo's office.

Sen. Tom O'Mara, a Republican from Big Flats who carries the bill in the Senate, said "This proposed pilot program would help New York state secure a strong position at the forefront of a future industry that can diversify and strengthen our agricultural industry, generate revenue and create jobs."

Should the legislation pass, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and colleges and universities would be eligible to conduct research on hemp. According to Lupardo's office, Cornell University has already been recognized as a potential candidate to participate in research on the plant's benefits.

"Industrial hemp is an excellent candidate from a biomass standpoint, with high yield as well as multiple potential value-added uses," said Jerry Cherney, a professor of agriculture at Cornell University. "Alternative markets allow farmers to minimize their risk and maximize profits."

The legislation legalizing the growth and research of hemp currently sits in the Assembly and Senate Agriculture committees.