Kentucky Initiative Wants Industrial Hemp Laws Passed

By CnAgri Print

Representatives of the nation's leading industrial hemp advocacy group, Vote Hemp, and top-selling natural soap brand Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps are meeting with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul's staff and members of the revived Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission, led by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, for a special meeting of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission to be held at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in Frankfort. Under the leadership of Senator Paul and Commissioner Comer, this group of industry and political leaders is uniquely positioned to advance Kentucky to be the first state to allow hemp farming with federal regulation. The initiative is being financed by a $50,000 contribution from Sen. Paul's political action committee and a matching donation of $50,000 from Dr. Bronner's.

Commissioner Comer echoed Paul's support and discussed the benefits to Kentucky farmers.

"We keep telling our farmers to diversify and look for new opportunities. Well, we have to give them the freedom to pursue them first," said Commissioner Comer. "Kentucky has the perfect climate and soil to produce industrial hemp and the hard-working farmers ready to grow it. e just have to get the government out of the way."

In August 2012, Commissioner Comer announced that he is restarting the long-dormant Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission. The General Assembly created the commission 10 years ago to look into hemp's potential in the Commonwealth. Commissioner Comer and Sen. Paul are now determined to revive the dormant project with the goal of making Kentucky the first state to re-commercialize industrial hemp. Based on a University of Kentucky study from more than a decade ago, the total economic impact from a hemp processing facility located in Kentucky selling certified seed would create a significant number of jobs and earnings.

"Kentucky has the perfect soil and climate to be the nation's top producer of industrial hemp," Commissioner Comer said. "Studies have shown that hemp could be at least the third most profitable crop in Kentucky and our farmers could capture the lion's share of the industry."

Commissioner Comer is working with Sen. Paul to pass laws on the state and federal levels to allow widespread growth of industrial hemp.

"Kentucky needs jobs. Everybody says they are for job creation, but supporting industrial hemp is their chance to prove it," Sen. Paul said. "Industrial hemp could create thousands of production and manufacturing jobs and Kentucky has the opportunity to be first in line for them. I strongly urge all Kentuckians to call their legislators and other elected officials and ask them to support the industrial hemp initiative."

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps currently purchases over $100,000 of organic hemp oil from Canadian producers annually but would prefer to source hemp from American farmers.