SC: Gov. McMaster Approves Industrial Hemp Bill

Ron Strider

Well-Known Member
Governor Henry McMaster signed a new industrial hemp bill Wednesday, making it legal for farmers across the state to grow the plant.

Hemp is used to make everything from fuel to fabric and legislators see more of a profit than an illegal plant.

"To allow our farmers to grow. produce, manufacture, and then sell within our own country a product that should have never been deemed illegal, to begin with," said Rep. Russell Ott.

The bill has been in the works for years, but was highly criticized being that hemp is in the same family as marijuana.

Unbeknownst to some the difference between the two is the THC level.

Lawmakers say that THC is part of the plant that can cause people to get a high when the levels reach a certain point, which is not the case with the hemp plant.

Marijuana has a THC level of at lease one percent whereas hemp's THC level will not exceed .3 percent.

Although now legal to grow, the hemp business is projected to start off small with only 20 farmers being permitted to grow only 20 acres each the first year.

Those interested in farming can start to fill out an application in July. However, there are certain requirements such as an approved background check that must be completed before the process can begin.

Hemp_Field_-_Minnesota_Department_of_Agriculture.jpg


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Full Article: Gov. McMaster approves industrial hemp bill | WACH
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