More States Moving to Legalize Industrial Hemp Farming

Though you can purchase hemp
foods and products in America, growing hemp—the
non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana—has been illegal here for
decades. But as part of this year’s farm bill, Congress approved
the growing of hemp by universities and state agriculture
departments, for research purposes, in states that permit
it. 

It’s a small step, but it’s something. Since the new farm bill’s
passage, states where hemp farming was totally prohibited have been
moving quickly to loosen their rules. 

Overall, 25 states have considered industrial hemp legislation
in 2014, according to Vote
Hemp. Thirteen states—California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon,
Utah, Vermont and West Virginia—now allow industrial hemp farming
for research and/or commercial purposes. 

Hawaii passed
a bill this week authorizing the University of Hawaii to
grow and research hemp. New
York is currently considering a bill to allow universities to
grow hemp for research purposes, and similar bills have been under
consideration recently in
Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, South Carolina, and
Washington.  

Other states have legalized growing hemp for commercial
as well as research purposes (though this puts them in conflict
with federal laws). In March, Indiana passed
a bill allowing farmers to grow hemp for research or
commercial uses.
Tennessee’s legislature passed a similar bill in April,
which is waiting on approval from Gov. Bill Haslam. A South
Carolina version passed the Senate and is awaiting
further action in the House.