Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
During a news conference Thursday morning, House and Senate Democrats rolled out six bills they believe will boost the economy and create new jobs. One bill would make it legal to grow hemp in New Mexico, the same legislation Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed two years ago.
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains very small amounts of the psychoactive chemical THC found in marijuana, but hemp can be used to make a wide range of products. It's a controversial crop because of its relation to marijuana, but lawmakers are considering allowing farmers to grow it.
The bill's sponsor Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, said the support is overwhelming and all questions Martinez raised last time have been answered. McSorley said 32 other states have already legalized hemp and he feels it's time for New Mexico to join them.
"This is huge for rural ranching and farming job production," McSorley said. "In the committee, both the biggest agriculture groups in the state have endorsed the bill. They're anxious for their farmers and ranchers to go ahead and be able to use it for a variety of products, and this will create jobs and it will create wealth."
Allowing New Mexico farmers to grow hemp is one of those misunderstood economic development bills on deck. Some people may confuse hemp with marijuana considering they are both cannabis plants. While they are closely related, they are not the same. Amounts of TCH in hemp are microscopic, meaning hemp is more like non-alcoholic beer.
Hemp is actually a fiber used to make items such as clothing, rope, paper products, and flour. There's also hemp milk and hemp lotion.
The bill would benefit farmers with an off-season crop option, and it could potentially benefit state budgets with a tax and annual fees.
The Navajo Nation did it late last year.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Legislators Consider Allowing Hemp Production
Author: Kali Porter and Caleb James
Contact: KOB 4
Photo Credit: KOB 4
Website: KOB4
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains very small amounts of the psychoactive chemical THC found in marijuana, but hemp can be used to make a wide range of products. It's a controversial crop because of its relation to marijuana, but lawmakers are considering allowing farmers to grow it.
The bill's sponsor Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, said the support is overwhelming and all questions Martinez raised last time have been answered. McSorley said 32 other states have already legalized hemp and he feels it's time for New Mexico to join them.
"This is huge for rural ranching and farming job production," McSorley said. "In the committee, both the biggest agriculture groups in the state have endorsed the bill. They're anxious for their farmers and ranchers to go ahead and be able to use it for a variety of products, and this will create jobs and it will create wealth."
Allowing New Mexico farmers to grow hemp is one of those misunderstood economic development bills on deck. Some people may confuse hemp with marijuana considering they are both cannabis plants. While they are closely related, they are not the same. Amounts of TCH in hemp are microscopic, meaning hemp is more like non-alcoholic beer.
Hemp is actually a fiber used to make items such as clothing, rope, paper products, and flour. There's also hemp milk and hemp lotion.
The bill would benefit farmers with an off-season crop option, and it could potentially benefit state budgets with a tax and annual fees.
The Navajo Nation did it late last year.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Legislators Consider Allowing Hemp Production
Author: Kali Porter and Caleb James
Contact: KOB 4
Photo Credit: KOB 4
Website: KOB4
