Not All States On Board With Hemp

Not all states are ready to allow farmers to grow hemp.

More than a month after being introduced, the Idaho House Agriculture Committee voted to advance a bill that would legalize hemp production in the state.  With just two committee members voting no, the bill now heads to the House floor for debate.  During the debate over the bill while in committee, members pointed out that hemp is an industrial use product.

At the other end of the spectrum, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem vetoed a hemp production bill that was passed by the legislature.  She said her support for farmers during tough economic times, but also says legalizing industrial hemp “opens the state up to consequences that are too large a risk right now.”

She’s not sure what impact the legislation will have on the state as a whole.  Noem also vetoed the bill because it would have legalized CBD oil. She says states shouldn’t legalize CBD oil until it’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com