Hash
New Member
A longtime hemp supporter wants to authorize North Dakota State University to study seeds from wild hemp plants, hoping the information will give farmers a head start if the federal government allows the crop to be grown.
"Once it's legal, it's going to take off and go, because there is a demand," said Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, who is the House assistant majority leader.
Monson successfully pushed legislation eight years ago to authorize an NDSU study of the benefits of industrial hemp as an alternative crop.
Industrial hemp is a drug-free version of marijuana. It was cultivated in North Dakota during World War II, with encouragement from the U.S. Agriculture Department. It can be used to make clothing, rope and other products.
After the NDSU study indicated industrial hemp had promise as an alternative crop, the Legislature removed it from the state's list of noxious weeds. In 2003, the state's Agricultural Products Utilization Commission provided money for fences and security systems to allow field research.
However, the federal government has not granted permission for the research to take place. Jeff Olson, a program manager for the state Agriculture Department, said the request hasn't been answered.
Monson's bill, which was heard Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee, specifically authorizes NDSU to gather wild hemp seeds, and develop variants that would be better for cultivation.
The seeds have already adapted to North Dakota's climate, and were once grown on farms, Monson said. Car manufacturers use hemp fibers for upholstery, and oil from the seeds can be used for lip balm or soap, he said.
Hemp growing is legal in Canada, England, France and 35 other industrial countries, he said. North Dakota growers would offer an alternative, domestic supply to buyers, he said.
"We want to be on top of it and ready to go when the feds finally relent," he said.
The bill is HB1492.
Source: Bismarck Tribune Online
Website: bismarcktribune.com | Bismarck, North Dakota News
"Once it's legal, it's going to take off and go, because there is a demand," said Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, who is the House assistant majority leader.
Monson successfully pushed legislation eight years ago to authorize an NDSU study of the benefits of industrial hemp as an alternative crop.
Industrial hemp is a drug-free version of marijuana. It was cultivated in North Dakota during World War II, with encouragement from the U.S. Agriculture Department. It can be used to make clothing, rope and other products.
After the NDSU study indicated industrial hemp had promise as an alternative crop, the Legislature removed it from the state's list of noxious weeds. In 2003, the state's Agricultural Products Utilization Commission provided money for fences and security systems to allow field research.
However, the federal government has not granted permission for the research to take place. Jeff Olson, a program manager for the state Agriculture Department, said the request hasn't been answered.
Monson's bill, which was heard Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee, specifically authorizes NDSU to gather wild hemp seeds, and develop variants that would be better for cultivation.
The seeds have already adapted to North Dakota's climate, and were once grown on farms, Monson said. Car manufacturers use hemp fibers for upholstery, and oil from the seeds can be used for lip balm or soap, he said.
Hemp growing is legal in Canada, England, France and 35 other industrial countries, he said. North Dakota growers would offer an alternative, domestic supply to buyers, he said.
"We want to be on top of it and ready to go when the feds finally relent," he said.
The bill is HB1492.
Source: Bismarck Tribune Online
Website: bismarcktribune.com | Bismarck, North Dakota News
