Industrial Hemp

Beshear Still Considering Hemp Bill, Massie Pushing Federal Legislation

Associated Press and Dan Conti of Kentucky Public Radio — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:21:30 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. Gov. Steve Beshear has until Saturday to sign or veto a bill that would open the door to industrial hemp farming in Kentucky. So far, he hasn't said what he'll do.

Amended Hemp Bill Passes Kentucky Legislature

Kenny Colston, Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:06:18 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - State lawmakers have approved a bill to allow a regulatory framework to be set up for industrial hemp in Kentucky, if the crop is legalized at the federal level.

Senate Bill 50 will give control of licensing of future hemp farmers to the state’s Industrial Hemp Commission, while allowing Kentucky State Police to do background checks on the farmers.

The Department of Agriculture will oversee many administrative roles involved in industrial hemp.

Researchers Studying Market Viability of Industrial Hemp in Kentucky

Brenna Angel — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:39:16 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky. - While Kentucky lawmakers continue to wrangle over an industrial hemp bill, researchers at the University of Kentucky are working on an economic impact report.

Ky. Hemp Supporters Gain Big Endorsement

Associated Press — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 23:56:40 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Industrial hemp's repositioning toward mainstream status gained ground with a timely endorsement from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. But the plant's proponents have more work to do in cultivating support to legalize a crop that once was a Bluegrass state staple.

Industrial Hemp Bill to be Filed in Ky. General Assembly

Brenna Angel — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:38:46 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky. - State Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says a bill to allow the growth of industrial hemp will soon be filed in the Kentucky General Assembly.

Hemp Commission Convenes, Has Legislative Goals

Brenna Angel — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:48:07 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A state commission created by the Kentucky General Assembly held its first meeting in Frankfort Wednesday after years of inactivity.

Paul, Comer Push For Industrial Hemp In Ky.

Associated Press — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:34:52 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer pushed Thursday for industrial hemp production in Kentucky, announcing the reformation of a long idle commission that will press to lift federal restrictions on the plant that once was a major cash crop.

Comer, Senator Paul To Talk Up Hemp At State Fair

Kenny Colston, Kentucky Public Radio — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:47:32 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Two of Kentucky’s highest profile Republicans are teaming up to rally for industrial hemp. U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer will hold a news conference at the Kentucky State Fair on Thursday to double down on their support for the crop, which can be used for textiles or oil.