The Kentucky Senate approved by a 31-6 vote today a bill that would regulate the growing of hemp in the state if the crop is legalized by the federal government.
Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Sen. Paul Hornback (R-Shelbyville) would make the state Department of Agriculture responsible for monitoring industrial hemp. Farmers wishing to grow hemp in Kentucky would register yearly with the department and would be required to submit to criminal background checks before receiving a license to raise the crop.
According to Sen. Hornback, hemp is a good alternative to tobacco and other crops and has been successfully grown in Kentucky in the past. If legalized, the crop could also boost the state’s economy by generating new jobs and revenue, he said. Industrial hemp can be used in the production of ropes, fabrics, plastics and a variety of other goods.
Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson), who voted in favor of the bill, said passage of the bill would favor his largely agrarian, six-county district.
"We're creating the beginning process of hemp in Kentucky should the federal government allow it," Ridley said.
Hemp was a popular crop grown in Crittenden County during the years of World War II.
Hornback told lawmakers the measure would give Kentucky a market edge if the crop is legalized federally. Ironically, today U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Bowling Green) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) joined Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden in introducing legislation to allow American farmers to cultivate and profit from industrial hemp.
“You have to be first to seize opportunities. If you’re not first, you’re last,” Hornback said.
Currently, the growing of hemp is prohibited by federal law. U.S. Sen. Paul and U.S. Reps. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and Thomas Massie (R-Vanceburg) told lawmakers earlier this week they are working on legislation or a waiver to lift that ban.
Some expressed concerns that the regulation would put an undue burden on law enforcement and other agencies enforcing marijuana laws since hemp is similar to marijuana in appearance.
Under the bill, state and local law enforcement would receive notification of licenses with exact GPS coordinates of hemp crop locations, and would be allowed to inspect fields. Crops not used for research purposes would be at least ten acres in size.
The bill also requires documentation from a licensed hemp grower when transporting hemp from a field or other production site.
Senate Bill 50 now goes to the full House for consideration.
