Kentucky Industrial hemp bill gains support; 12 members of House sign on

by

Gregory A. Hall

Source: courier-journal.com

FRANKFORT, KY. — Twelve Kentucky House members — including a former speaker — signed on to support a bill filed Thursday to promote industrial hemp production in the state.

Supporters of House Bill 286 acknowledge that the federal government’s regulations control — and effectively prohibit — production of the non-hallucinogenic plant.

But Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, a former House member, said passage of a legalization bill would provide an impetus to push for a needed federal permit for Kentucky to be a pilot program.

“It sends a message that this is something that we’re serious about in Kentucky,” Comer said.Industrial hemp can be used to make products including twine, paper and clothing. 

Comer and other supporters say it could help diversify Kentucky’s agricultural economy, which is still dealing with the decline of its once-dominant tobacco crop. Rep. Keith Hall, D-Phelps, said it also could be a revenue source for reclaimed coal mining sites.

The bill was filed Thursday by Rep. Richard Henderson, D-Jeffersonville, with co-sponsors including former Democratic House Speaker Jody Richards of Bowling Green, Prospect Republican David Osborne and Louisville Democrat Mary Lou Marzian.

The bill requires industrial hemp growers to obtain an annual license from the state agriculture department. It makes local sheriff’s departments responsible for monitoring and randomly testing fields to see that hallucinogenic marijuana, which comes from hemp plants, isn’t being grown.

According to a University of Kentucky College of Agriculture report, federal law technically allows industrial hemp production, but it requires a government permit. Federal regulation and Drug Enforcement Administration security requirements currently “make hemp production prohibitive, even at the research level,” the report said.

Astoria Hemp Works to triple space with Marine Drive move

By Edward Stratton
Source: dailyastorian.com

In this age of businesses struggling to stay afloat and storefronts shuttering, there's at least one booming business in downtown Astoria: hemp and bamboo products.

Michael and Judy Pierce, recent additions from Eugene, started Astoria Hemp Works Feb. 11. 2011, at their 1,100-square foot storefront on 14th Street, next to Fort George Brewery. They created such a niche - by their estimations, sales surpassed forecasts by 60 percent last year - that they'll soon move into a new Marine Drive location on the main drag, tripling their floor space and readying to manufacture their own hemp and bamboo products in early to mid-February.

http://www.astoriahempworks.com/

Let me grow what I want

by Werner Weber
Source: news24.com

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on medicinal cannabis and alternative uses for the plant.  One thing is clear, aside from making the Muppets even funnier than it is, cannabis is an exceptional plant in every conceivable way.  I found countless stories of people who were essentially “written-off” by our western medical practitioners with ailments varying from chronic pain, sinus, multiple sclerosis to cancer.  Once they started using medicinal cannabis, this means not smoking it, but making juice, oils and other extracts of the plant in it’s natural form, their rates of recovery and remission in the case of cancers were actually quite phenomenal.  In terms of people smoking it, seeing someone with MS hardly being able to sit properly, light up a joint and then having a normal conversation with someone was quite remarkable as well.

We have seen that hemp, the low concentration THC version of cannabis, is also very useful.  It is essentially 36% natural protein with every amino acid your body needs, yet in most countries growing hemp is illegal.  You may however import it.  Hemp is also one of natures most versatile plants.  The fibers from the plant can be used for a lot of things, even making biofuel, which essentially makes it a carbon neutral fuel source.  It also pretty much grows anywhere in the world.  It is a far better alternative to wood in it’s uses as paper and even building material.  A house was recently built using bricks made from hemp.  Hemp also goes from seed to mature plant much faster than any wood and the carbon absorption rates are phenomenal.

So why is our governments so bent on making you out to be a criminal, when you have cannabis.  Their biggest argument at the moment is the “it’s a gateway drug”.  Which in the first place is a load of crock.  The only reason why it is a gateway drug is because dealers expose people to other stuff.  If it were legal to grow your own for your own personal consumption then there would be no problem with it being a gateway drug.  Cannabis is non addictive.  Cigarettes, alcohol and coffee is more addictive than the THC found in cannabis and also a lot safer for you.  You can actually die from too much coffee, you can not however die from too much cannabis, you can try but you’ll die from oxygen starvation to the brain first.

So I ask to the politicians, why not allow me to grow my own cannabis for my own use, whether I juice it, make an oil, make biofuel for my energy needs or (heaven forbid) smoke it.  It is for me and no one else?  Now you’ll say to me, but if we allow you to grow then you are able to deal, this is true.  But on the flip side I can buy normal household medication over the counter and make crystal meth, yet you don’t stop me from buying those do you?  I can buy petrol and make petrol bombs, but you don’t stop me from doing that either do you?  There is something you are not telling us, are you ashamed of admitting that you were wrong all this time?  Are you afraid drug companies are going to cut their funding?  Sure drug companies stand to loose billions, because people will be healthy, but that is a good thing.  People will always find ways to spend their money, so if the drug companies lose some another industry will spawn to take up that money.

So what am I saying?  What I am asking is, that as a mature, well educated society, how about we have a proper debate about the decriminalization of growing our own cannabis.  If you are caught dealing, well then the original rules still apply, for now, but if I am transporting a healthy growing natural plant, that can help friends and family overcome problems such as obesity, diabetes, chronic pain and nearly five thousand other ailments why not let me?  Give me one good rational argument please as I am going insane trying to figure out why you have your collective heads up your asses!

TASMANIA STANDING FIRM ON HEMP RESTRICTIONS

By Jessica Burke
Source: foodmag.com.au

Tasmania’s state government will not change state laws on processed hemp to bring them into line with those across the rest of Australia.

The restrictions in Tasmania for the THC crop to be no more than 0.35 per cent have been labelled “the most restrictive in the world,” compared to mainland laws which allow 1.0 per cent.

In December Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced that eating the processed hemp seed, containing the active cannabis ingredient delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), could become common practice, if an application made to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) was approved.

Tasmania will begin allowing hemp to be used in food, however, following confirmation from Health Minister Michelle O’Bryne earlier this month that it was ''fully behind moves to remove the prohibition on using low THC hemp products as food.”

She said the introduction of hemp in foods would open doors to new markets for growers.

Today O’Bryne said the current restrictions of 0.35 per cent THC, are appropriate.

''This figure is considered to be reasonable,'' she said.

Commercial growers have been calling on the state government to loosen the restrictions for years, as it is currently classed as a poison and requires separate licences to grow, store and transport the substance.

''There are some restrictions in New Zealand, for example, but they're not as restrictive as they are here,'' Bishopsbourne hemp grower Phil Reader told The Examiner. 

'They only need one licence to grow it, process it and do whatever with it.''

Reader has warned the government they risk losing the benefits from the industry if the restrictions don’t change, as growers will leave the region to better their opportunities.

''We've had a lot of inquiries for increasing produce,'' he said.
''We actually had a request in November (2010) from Canada for 500 tonnes of seed.

''If we didn't have these restrictions, we would have been able to have the seed available.''

In 2002, FSANZ concluded hemp was safe for human consumption.

The federal health minister at the time and the majority of state health ministers rejected the recommendations, but Tasmania supported it.

''We have supported such moves in the past only to be blocked by the Howard Liberal government,'' O'Byrne said.

''But even if this latest attempt succeeds, it must be remembered that cannabis sativa is a schedule 9 drug in all states and territories, so the only way to allow growing of low THC crops is to licence them.''

Farmers and Graziers Association president Jan Davis wants the THC levels to be increased to the 1.0 per cent of the rest of the country.

She also said the rules which stipulate hemp must be out of sight of roads and more than five kilometres from schools or other public buildings adds another level of difficulty for growers.

''(It is) a demand made difficult by Tasmania's size,'' she said.

Hemp study pushed by lawmakers could aide toxic cleanup

By Debi Brazzale
Source: agjournalonline.com

Denver, Colorado--Planting fields of hemp to absorb toxins in contaminated soil is a concept worth looking at, said two rural lawmakers at the Capitol.


Rep. Wes McKinley, D-Walsh, and Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, D-Sterling, are having a bill drafted that would create a pilot program, funded by gifts, grants and donations, to research the crop’s potential.

Areas that may benefit, said McKinley, are Rocky Flats, once the site of a nuclear weapons plant, and the Cotter Corporation’s uranium mine near Golden, as well as numerous abandoned mining properties around the state.

The hemp plants, which have been shown to absorb toxins from soil, would also provide benefits to both farmers and consumers, said McKinley. “It would be nice to clean up these contaminated areas,” said McKinley. “Hemp can be a very beneficial crop providing food, fuel and fiber.”

Sonnenberg says if the study proves right, the plant could address agricultural problems with contaminated soil, too. “There are so many possibilities for industrial hemp that it only makes sense to create win-win situations for agriculture,” said Sonnenberg.

Gatewood Galbraith Is A Hero To Marijuana And Hemp Activists And Will Be Missed

 by Johnny Green
Source: theweedblog.com

What can you say about a marijuana and hemp legend?  When I was looking at past TWB articles, I came across a few lines about Gatewood Galbraith that I wrote that I think are fitting, “There’s a clip from another film by the same producers called ‘Hempsters.’ It takes place in Lexington, KY, and it is some of the finest protesting I have ever seen, especially for the midwest. Gatewood Galbraith is leading the charge, and he’s one pissed off mother f’r. I love to see him get all fired up. He gives a very concise, yet solid breakdown of why marijuana is illegal. Usually people get long winded when they try to explain it, but he does a great job.”

Gatewood Galbraith always broke it down.  Gatewood had a way with words that few, if any, in the hemp and marijuana movement will ever be able to match.  The best marijuana and hemp activists can do is try their best to emulate Gatewood Galbraith and carry on the worthwhile fight that he helped lead for most of his amazing life.  Losing Gatewood is similar to when the hemp and marijuana movement lost the great Jack Herer.  What else can I say that Gatewood didn’t say himself?  Below is a bio that was written by Gatewood Galbraith taken from his Gatewood for Governor webpage:

As of this writing, I am 62 years old, divorced, with three grown and lovely daughters. I have my law office in Lexington and practice around the entire state as a trial attorney. I consider it an honor to go to these small towns to speak to the people on behalf of one of their own.  And they seem to like it too.

I was born in a small town (Carlisle, Ky. pop. 1520) and lived there until we moved to Lexington when I was 12. I went to Lexington Catholic for some time and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965. I joined the United State Marine Corps in 1966 but had an attack of asthma on Parris Island and received an Honorable Discharge.For the next 6 years I held many jobs including lifeguarding, automobile assembly and sales. In 1969, I hitchhiked around the country doing migrant farm labor, hopping railroad cars and living life “On The Road”.I returned to Lexington and in 1971, I was 24 years old and a milkman.

During the student demonstrations against the war, I learned what true activism and work for social change really is about. Hard work and commitment. I also realized I really did not understand how our system worked. We were supposed to be free but it didn’t seem that way.So I made a vow right then to make my life worthwhile by going to college to become an attorney (thereby learning the system), becoming Governor of Kentucky, and taking the government off the backs of the People. My view is that government’s role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws.I began the University of Kentucky in 1971 and graduated in 1974.

I went to the UK Law School and graduated in 1977. I owned a tractor company from ‘77 until ’81 when I began the practice of law.I have concentrated on Criminal Law and Serious Personal Injury. I will also be glad to counsel Lottery winners.In 1983, I ran for the Democrat’s nomination for Agriculture Commissioner and for their nomination for Governor in 1991 and 1995. I chose the Democrats because whoever won their Primary won the General Election. However, they froze us out of the Party and didn’t allow our views to be heard or considered. And the Republicans had the same attitude. Kentucky’s systems was as dysfunctional then as it is now.

In rebellion, we ran for Governor/Lt. Governor in 1999 in the General Election as Reform Party candidates garnering 15.9 % of the vote on a  $20,000 budget.I ran for Congress in 2000 and 2002.In 2003, I ran as an Independent in the General Election for Attorney General. I went to 12 of Kentucky’s 120 counties and spent $20,000. I got 110,000 votes. The message was strong but we again lacked the money to get it out to everyone.In 2007, I thought that both parties were in such disarray that I could win the Dem’s nomination. I was wrong.

They circled the wagons and elected one of their old warhorses who is as incapable of bringing about the necessary changes as all those who went before him.  It proved to me once and for all THAT NEITHER PARTY IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A CANDIDATE WHO CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. Therefore, our only hope is to elect an Independent who puts the People before the Parties.I am that Independent and we are counting on You, your Vote and your Contribution!”

The memorial service for Gatewood will be Thursday, January 12th at 4:00 pm in The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, 251 West Second Street in Lexington, KY.

I hope you will all join his family and friends in celebrating his life.

Louis Gatewood Galbraith

GALBRAITH Louis Gatewood, 64, beloved father, grandfather, attorney and civil rights advocate, died peacefully at his home with family on Wed, Jan 4, 2012. Born in Carlisle, KY, he was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. He was a former Marine, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and the University of Kentucky College of Law. He was a humanitarian, friend, and author – who worked tirelessly for the people of Kentucky. He is survived by his three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears (Kate), Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith (Ryan Moldt); and Molly Galbraith, both of Lexington. He is also survived his two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings, Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and the mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend, Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam. Milward-Broadway is in charge of arrangements.

Italian school uses cannabis for cooking

Italy's Flavor University uses cannabis as an 
"amazing ingredient" for cooking. UPI/Terry Schmitt 

Source: upi.com

PERUGIA, Italy, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Italy's Flavor University, part of the National Food Education and Culture Center, said cannabis is an "amazing ingredient" for cooking.

The school said Tuesday the cannabis recommended for cooking is cannabis sativa, which contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, ANSA reported Wednesday.

Glenda Giampaoli, director of the Museum of Hemp Sant'Anatolia di Narco, which helped the university come up with its recipes, said the THC content of the cooking cannabis, which is also known as industrial hemp, is "virtually zero."

"It's regularly inspected by the Ministry of Health," Giampaoli said.

The school said hemp, which it described in its recipe book as an "amazing ingredient," has a taste similar to hazelnut and is most commonly used in the form of flour, but the leaves, seeds and oil can also be used to "add a twist" to recipes.