Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Cheyenne — A bill legalizing hemp farming in Wyoming is still alive after being passed out of a Senate committee Friday.
House Bill 230 would allow the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to apply for a federal permit to begin a hemp production program in Wyoming.
Once that permission is granted, the department would oversee hemp production in the state, and farmers could apply to the department to be able to grow hemp.
The department would have to ensure hemp crops do not contain more than 0.3 percent THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) and would have to track sales of hemp made by farmers.
Hemp is a type of cannabis that has a variety of commercial uses. It does not contain the same psychoactive properties as other cannabis strains.
However, hemp is still strongly regulated by the federal government. A 2014 change in federal law allows states to conduct hemp production under the authority of a university or department of agriculture.
Since that change, a number of states have begun hemp programs.
Ron Rabou, who owns a farming operation in Laramie County, said allowing hemp farming would be a "huge opportunity" for the state. He said the crop could allow farmers to have a more sustainable economic future as well.
"Why in the world would we not do this?" he said.
Josh Egle, who farms in Wyoming and also has a farm in Colorado, said he has seen financial benefits for farmers of growing hemp.
"I'm seeing farmers make money, and I'm seeing all the economic benefits ... come true," he said, later adding, "There's very few chances to be on the ground floor of something that's going to be big."
Because hemp can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from construction to food, supporters like Rabou and Egle say the industry is very financially attractive, especially if and when the federal government deregulates hemp.
However, there is concern that the bill does not contain additional funding to get a hemp program up and running — something expressed by both the Department of Agriculture and law enforcement.
Initial startup money would be needed for the Department of Agriculture to set up the regulatory framework for hemp, including retrofitting its laboratory equipment to be able to test inspected hemp to make sure it does not contain enough THC to be considered a drug.
Once the framework is set up, it is possible fees collected from hemp cultivation could pay for the regulatory system.
"For the Department of Agriculture, this is truly a ground-floor program," said Doug Miyamoto, the director of the department.
Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved the bill, but may introduce amendments when the bill hits the Senate floor.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hemp Farming Bill Makes Way Through Wyoming Legislature
Author: Matt Murphy
Contact: (307) 634-3361
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Wyoming Tribune Eagle
House Bill 230 would allow the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to apply for a federal permit to begin a hemp production program in Wyoming.
Once that permission is granted, the department would oversee hemp production in the state, and farmers could apply to the department to be able to grow hemp.
The department would have to ensure hemp crops do not contain more than 0.3 percent THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) and would have to track sales of hemp made by farmers.
Hemp is a type of cannabis that has a variety of commercial uses. It does not contain the same psychoactive properties as other cannabis strains.
However, hemp is still strongly regulated by the federal government. A 2014 change in federal law allows states to conduct hemp production under the authority of a university or department of agriculture.
Since that change, a number of states have begun hemp programs.
Ron Rabou, who owns a farming operation in Laramie County, said allowing hemp farming would be a "huge opportunity" for the state. He said the crop could allow farmers to have a more sustainable economic future as well.
"Why in the world would we not do this?" he said.
Josh Egle, who farms in Wyoming and also has a farm in Colorado, said he has seen financial benefits for farmers of growing hemp.
"I'm seeing farmers make money, and I'm seeing all the economic benefits ... come true," he said, later adding, "There's very few chances to be on the ground floor of something that's going to be big."
Because hemp can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from construction to food, supporters like Rabou and Egle say the industry is very financially attractive, especially if and when the federal government deregulates hemp.
However, there is concern that the bill does not contain additional funding to get a hemp program up and running — something expressed by both the Department of Agriculture and law enforcement.
Initial startup money would be needed for the Department of Agriculture to set up the regulatory framework for hemp, including retrofitting its laboratory equipment to be able to test inspected hemp to make sure it does not contain enough THC to be considered a drug.
Once the framework is set up, it is possible fees collected from hemp cultivation could pay for the regulatory system.
"For the Department of Agriculture, this is truly a ground-floor program," said Doug Miyamoto, the director of the department.
Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved the bill, but may introduce amendments when the bill hits the Senate floor.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hemp Farming Bill Makes Way Through Wyoming Legislature
Author: Matt Murphy
Contact: (307) 634-3361
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Wyoming Tribune Eagle
