Hemp in the Time of New Federal Marijuana Policy

by Phillip Smith
Source: stopthedrugwar.org

It's not just medical and legal marijuana states that watched the Justice Department's announcement of its response to marijuana law reforms in the states with interest. Nine states have laws regulating the production of industrial hemp, and ten more have asked Congress to remove barriers to industrial hemp production.

Rep. Massie, Comm. Comer & Rep. Polis (Vote Hemp via youtube)

Hemp is also moving in the Congress. An amendment to the Farm Bill cosponsored by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Jared Polis (D-CO) passed the House on a vote of 225-200 in July and will now go to a joint House-Senate conference committee. And the Industrial Hemp Farming Act (House Resolution 525 and Senate Bill 359) is pending in both chambers.

At a Tuesday Capitol Hill briefing organized by the industry groupVote Hemp (video embedded below), state and federal elected officials said they thought the Justice Department's policy directive on marijuana opened the door not just to regulated medical and legal marijuana, but also to industrial hemp production. Some states intend to move forward, they said.

"That Department of Justice ruling pertained to cannabis," said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner John Comer, "and hemp has always been banned because it's in the cannabis family. The Department of Justice ruling pertained to states with a regulatory framework for cannabis, and we feel that includes hemp as well. Our legislation set up a regulatory framework."

The legislation Comer is referring to is Kentucky Senate Bill 50, the Bluegrass State's industrial hemp bill, which passed the legislature with bipartisan support, gained endorsements by both of the state's Republican US senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, and became law without the governor's signature in April. It establishes an Industrial Hemp Commission and sets up procedures for licensing farming and processing.

"We have a hemp commission meeting Thursday, and we are going to request that Rand Paul send a letter to the DEA telling them we intend to get going next year unless the Department of Justice tells us otherwise," Comer said. "We are taking a very proactive stance in Kentucky. We've been trying to replace tobacco, and hemp is an option not only for our farmers, but it could also create manufacturing jobs in our rural communities."

The commission did meet Thursday, and it voted unanimously to move forward with industrial hemp production, aiming at producing hemp next year.

"That's our first goal, to get the crop established. Then, once companies and industries see that we have a crop here established and growing, we believe industries will start coming here looking for it instead of importing it from other countries," said Brian Furnish, chairman of the Industrial Hemp Commission, after the Thursday vote.

According to Vote Hemp, Kentucky isn't the only state planning on moving forward with hemp next year. Vermont just released its Hemp Registration Form that allows farmers to apply for hemp permits and the Colorado Department of Agriculture is developing regulations to license hemp farmers in 2014. North Dakota has issued permits for several years now.

Imported hemp is now a $500 million a year industry, Vote Hemp's Eric Steenstra said.

Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), who also played an important role in passing the Kentucky bill and who is a cosponsor of the House hemp bill, said he was encouraged by the Justice Department policy directive, but that it was not enough.

"We need more than a Justice Department ruling," he told the press conference. "As a farmer and entrepreneur, I want some certainty. I want a legislative remedy for this, and that's why I continue to push hard for our bill, which would exclude hemp from definition as a controlled substance."

Vote Hemp's Eric Steenstra

But while the House hemp bill now has 47 cosponsors, it still has a long row to hoe. The hemp amendment to the Farm Bill, which would allow hemp production for university research purposes, has already passed the House and awaits action in conference committee.

"If you can attach an amendment to a spending bill, then you can get action," said Massie. "I have to give credit to Rep. Polisfor doing this. This is a farm issue, not a drug issue. And while there was debate over whether it was wise to even have a vote, it passed. People decided spontaneously to vote for it as an amendment."

While the Senate has not passed a similar provision, Massie said he was hopeful that it would make it through conference committee.

"There is no equivalent in the Senate, there is no companion amendment, but we do have [Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell, who is all for it," he said. "I'm hopeful it will survive, and we'll continue to work on the standalone hemp bill."

"It was important to get the House language in the Farm Bill," said Polis. "Not only does it allow universities to do research that is needed, but it also symbolically moves forward with embracing the potential for industrial hemp production."

Polis said he was cheered by the Justice Department's policy directive when it came to hemp.

"They listed eight enforcement priorities, and industrial hemp isn't even on the enforcement radar," the Boulder congressman said. "We see no federal interest in going after states or hemp producers. The risk is minimal. But minimal isn't good enough for some folks, and that's why we want to continue to gather support for the Industrial Hemp Farming Act. You don't want to have to depend on a federal prosecutor or the attorney general not getting up on the wrong side of the bed in the morning."

Industrial hemp may be an afterthought for Justice Department policy setters, but the recent guidance has emboldened hemp advocates to push forward faster than ever. Getting hemp research approved in the Farm Bill would be a good first step; passing the Industrial Hemp Act would be even better. But it doesn't look like some states are going to wait for Congress to act.

Washington, DC

United States

Hemp flag to fly at Vermont Statehouse on Tuesday, Constitution Day

Source: vtdigger.org

An American Flag made from hemp fibers will be flying outside the Vermont State House Tuesday September 17, 2013 at 10:00AM. The flag was commissioned by Colorado Hemp Commissioner Mike Bowman and was flown above the U.S. Capitol Building on July 4, 2013. The flag also recently flew above the Colorado State House on Colorado Day, August 1, 2013. It will now fly over the Vermont Statehouse on the historical date of September 17, the anniversary of the ratification of the United States Constitution! Although Vermont citizens were not represented in the original signatories of the Constitution, we think it is historically relevant to fly the hemp flag on this date, as many of our country’s founders were cultivating hemp at that time.

Rural Vermont will be hosting a reception featuring remarks by Colorado Hemp Commissioner Mike Bowman, and Netaka White of Full Sun Company, and other invited leaders to praise Vermont’s proactive legislation allowing hemp cultivation and to chart Vermont’s hemp future. Rural Vermont Organizer, Robb Kidd states, “Vermont farmers are ready to lead the nation and considering the U.S. Justice Department’s recent marijuana ruling, many legal experts believe that the states have been given the green light in allowing hemp cultivation as their laws allow.” Rural Vermont is continuing to work with the national hemp advocacy group Vote Hemp to get confirmation about what the recent ruling means for hemp cultivation.

The official request to fly the hemp flag over the Montpelier statehouse was made by Senator David Zuckerman, however because it is peak harvest season, David will not be in attendance for Tuesday’s ceremony. Representative Teo Zagar of Barnard, a supporting legislator from Brattleboro, will be in attendance.

Austin, Minnesota Hemp Fest is Sunday

By Trey Mewes
Source: austindailyherald.com

A festival highlighting the economic benefits of hemp will take place this weekend.

The Austin Minnesota Hemp Festival starts at noon this Sunday at Bandshell Community Park. Musical acts will take the bandshell stage along with guest speakers advocating for hemp legalization as an agricultural industry.

Organizer Deanna Jean was unavailable for comment. Jean refuses to publicly give her last name for fear of repercussions. The festival drew controversy earlier this summer. Jean tried to persuade city officials to support marijuana legalization. She said the festival is only focused on education about hemp, and no alcohol, marijuana or drugs will be permitted.

Hemp fest will feature local DJ Bartbarian as well as Rochester musician Joshua Whalen. There will also be a moment of silence at 4:20 p.m. Organizers will offer other activities for all ages, according to the festival’s Facebook page. The event will end at 9 p.m. or until dusk, and is free of charge.

State panel gives feds notice Kentucky is writing regs to restore hemp production

Source: lanereport.com 

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, left, answers questions from the news media in his Frankfort office following Thursday’s meeting of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission on Thursday directed Kentucky Department of Agriculture staff to begin writing regulations governing industrial hemp production in the commonwealth and voted to serve notice to the federal government that Kentucky is moving forward.

The commission called for a letter from Commissioner Comer and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to the U.S. Department of Justice to make Kentucky’s intentions known. Sen. Paul’s office has indicated that he is willing to sign on to such a letter. Industrial hemp is legal under Kentucky law, and at a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, a DOJ official indicated that the federal government will not prosecute hemp farming.

“Hemp is legal in Kentucky, and the federal government has signaled that it does not view industrial hemp as an illegal substance and it will not prosecute hemp farmers,” Comer said. “Surely…no entity will seek to throw up a government obstacle to moving forward with another opportunity for Kentucky farmers and for manufacturing jobs.”

Commissioner Comer presented at a hemp briefing on Tuesday in Washington, and on Thursday he told the commission that the response was “very positive.” Comer and U.S. Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Jared Polis of Colorado held the briefing to educate congressional staffers about the differences between hemp and marijuana and the many uses of industrial hemp.

“At the conclusion of the briefing, the mindset of the congressional staffers present was that this is a no-brainer and that we should be doing this,” Comer said.

KDA attorney Luke Morgan told the commission a 2003 federal regulation clarifies that industrial hemp is not marijuana and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration does not have jurisdiction over hemp. “Industrial hemp is not marijuana,” Morgan said. “That’s a fact, but it’s also the law.”

Commissioner Comer said the state agriculture department receives requests on a daily basis from businesses that want to move to Kentucky and process hemp.

“As a farmer, my No. 1 priority is to give farmers another tool in their tool box,” Comer said. “This will be successful only if there will be companies to purchase hemp from farmers. We have to be able to locate processors in the state.”

Comer said poultry and equine businesses have expressed interest in hemp bedding, which would be easy to process and would “jump start” the industry in Kentucky.

“Looking down the road 10 years from now, hemp will have a significant positive impact on Kentucky agriculture,” Comer said.

At the close of today’s meeting, commission member Craig Lee resigned in order to pursue a position with the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association.

“Craig has been a member of this commission almost since the day it was formed,” Comer said. “His experience is unmatched, we are so grateful for his service, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.

Industrial Hemp Bill Passes California Assembly

By Ali Bay
Source: beyondchron.org

SB 566 Would Allow California Farmers to Grow Industrial Hemp Upon Federal Approval


Legislation that allows California farmers to be prepared to grow industrial hemp upon federal approval has cleared the Assembly. SB 566, authored by Senator Mark Leno, would permit growers in the Golden State to cultivate industrial hemp for the sale of seed, oil and fiber to manufacturers and businesses that currently rely on international imports for raw hemp products. The bill, which is co-authored by Assembly member Allan Monsoor, R-Costa Mesa, and has received strong bipartisan support in both houses, would go into effect once the federal government lifts its ban on hemp cultivation.

“In the past year, the conversation to legalize the cultivation of hemp has gained momentum at the federal level, and it is only a matter of time before a farmer’s right to grow hemp is restored,” said Senator Leno, D-San Francisco. “Industrial hemp, which is already found in hundreds of consumer products manufactured in our state, is a perfect crop for California. It has great potential to revitalize family farms, create new jobs and stimulate the economy.” 

Earlier this year, two separate bills allowing states to regulate industrial hemp cultivation were introduced in Congress, continuing the national debate on whether the hemp ban should remain in place. In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a provision in the Farm Bill that would have allowed colleges and universities to grow hemp for research in states where hemp production is allowed.

Sen. Leno’s California Industrial Hemp Farming Act puts into place the framework needed for hemp cultivation to occur in California immediately following federal approval. Enforcement and oversight of hemp production would be conducted in concert with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and county agricultural commissioners, as is done with other crops.

SB 566 is co-sponsored by Hemp Industries Association and Vote Hemp. It is supported by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, individual county sheriffs, family and organic farmers, environmental organizations, labor unions and businesses statewide. 

"SB 566 demonstrates the real momentum behind the national movement to legalize industrial hemp,” said Eric Steenstra, Executive Director of the Hemp Industries Association. “With Congressional bills to legalize hemp currently in both the House and Senate, California is on the cutting edge, pushing forward with an industrial hemp law that would not only stimulate much needed growth in local business and farming sectors, but ultimately lead the nation toward a federal policy change that would open hemp cultivation to hemp farmers around the country. This will lower our dependence on Canada and China for hemp imports, and empower our agrarian and manufacturing economies to finally tap into one of the fastest growing natural products in the market." 

Hemp has a deep history in the U.S. The Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria crossed the Atlantic with sails made of hemp, and both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew hemp, which was legal tender until the early 1800s. Today, industrial hemp is used to manufacture thousands of food, clothing, personal care products and building materials. The nation’s hemp market is currently valued at $500 million annually, and more than 50% of the nation’s hemp product companies are based in California. 

"Hemp grown right here in California would stimulate massive growth in the food, body care, textiles, building and other crucial sectors that suffer from having to import less efficient materials in lieu of this lucrative industrial crop," says David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. "The nationwide movement to legalize industrial hemp and farm it right here in the US to benefit American business is growing, and SB 566 will open a door to incredible opportunity for farmers who seek sustainable agriculture, ecologically responsible businesses and products. Ultimately, this bill will help end the prohibition on what is one of the most versatile and environmentally revolutionary industrial crops on the planet."

SB 566 returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote before heading to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk.

Hemp crop a real head turner

By Kathy Bly
Source: lethbridgeherald.com

Ron Lanier is used to motorists stopping to check out his field south of Coaldale.

When the wind is blowing east to west he can expect to see vehicles slowing down and even stopping to give his 600 acres of hemp the once over.

“Lots of people stop in and ask what it is,” he said, because they are curious if he is actually growing marijuana. Even the police have stopped in now and again to follow up on reports that someone is growing the illegal crop in the area.

He even got a call while in the Montreal airport in July because the police had shown up at his farm. He had to confirm the crop was hemp and he had his paperwork in place to be approved to grow the crop.

Because hemp does resemble marijuana, he has to have a criminal records check and register with the province.

“I’ve been growing hemp for seven years.”

He grows a variety that was developed in the Ukraine. It is lush green and develops a yellow hue when it’s ready to be harvested. He said this year’s crop is about two weeks away from harvest as it currently stands.

He first got into growing the crop because of Roger Snow in Stirling who operates Rocky Mountain Grain Products and processes hemp hearts. The company has been selling hemp hearts for a couple of decades under the obvious name – Hemp Hearts.

“It’s a neat processing plant,” he said of the Stirling operation.

Lanier’s interest in the crop began with hemp hearts, which he likes to eat but he has also worn hemp clothing and used other hemp-based products. His wife, Lori, owns Naturistas, a health store in downtown Lethbridge which has marketed hemp products for the last six years.

“It’s just added to the interest in growing healthy foods.”

As a farmer, Lanier likes the idea of growing healthy crops. Hemp is just one of five crops he has in rotation on his land along with flax, lentils, peas and durum – grown for processing into pasta flour.

He said he finds it more interesting to grow healthy foods on his land and he likes that aspect of farming.

“I’m growing healthy foods.”

Growing hemp is not without its unique pros and cons.

“It’s a challenging crop to grow.”

He said it’s been worth it to work hemp into his crop rotation, especially once he got the learning curve flattened out. It can been a little sensitive to too much moisture when it’s small and it doesn’t like a lot of the herbicides available to keep crops clean.

The variety he grows, both for the hemp heart and the fibre, also make it a challenge to combine. He has to modify his Case combine to handle the crop and not start a fire.

Lanier said he likes the fact that hemp is not only healthy but has so many uses. In the last six years he has grown 600 acres of the crop.

“It seems to be good in rotation.”

He said crops that follow it in the field seem to like being grown in the hemp stubble. Lanier, who operates under a no-till policy, said the crop is good fit in his overall farming operation.

Visiting filmmaker screens award-winning documentary Oct. 1 at Appalachian State University

Source: appstate.edu

BOONE—Industrial hemp, healthy houses and a greener future for America are the topics of filmmaker Linda Booker’s latest documentary “Bringing it Home.” Booker will screen her film at Appalachian State University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, in room 114 in Belk Library and Information Commons.

The event is free and open to the public. See clips from the movie and learn more at http://www.bringingithomemovie.com. For more information, contact Tom Hansell at University Documentary Film Services at 828-262-7730 or hansellts@appstate.edu.

“Bringing it Home” tells the story of a father’s search to find the healthiest building materials to protect his family from illness. His search leads to the construction of the nation’s first hemp house. Hemp is a non-toxic, energy-efficient, mildew, fire and pest resistant building material. The drawback: industrial hemp is currently illegal to farm in the United States.

Industrial hemp is a non-psychoactive plant, grown in 31 other countries, that is used to make thousands of sustainable products. It offers solutions for global warming, nutrition, poverty and deforestation. Here in the U.S., hemp could be a money-making crop for farmers and create jobs. But why can’t we grow it here? “Bringing it Home” tells the story of hemp: past, present and future and a global industry that includes textiles, building materials, food products, bio-plastics, auto parts and more.

Booker has directed a number of award-winning documentaries. Her 2008 film “Love Lived on Death Row” tells the powerful story of four siblings finding forgiveness for their father facing execution for the 1990 murder of their mother. The documentary screened at The New Orleans Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival, Little Rock Film Festival, and numerous other film festivals, universities and community screenings in the U.S. and abroad. She is the recipient of a grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for a North Carolina screening tour of the film.