Hemp measure gets mixed reviews

The Durango Herald

In a letter to Polis obtained by The Durango Herald, Richard Rose of Medicinal Hemp Association writes on behalf of 18 hemp organizations, including Hemp Cleans, urging for provisions that would block the FDA’s enforcement of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 on cannabinoids.

The hemp groups fear that the presence of nonpsychoactive cannabinoids derived from low-THC hemp, which has become increasingly prominent over the past six years, would cause the FDA to view the emerging industry as “ripe for its regulation.”

http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20150201/NEWS01/150209991&source=RSS 

Congress Introduces Industrial Hemp Farming Act with Bi-partisan Support

Ladybud

“I’m excited to join with Representative Massie to introduce common-sense, bipartisan legislation that will once again allow American farmers to benefit from industrial hemp,” said Representative Jared Polis. “The federal ban on hemp has been a waste of taxpayer dollars that ignores science, suppresses innovation, and subverts the will of states that have chosen to incorporate this versatile crop into their economies. I am hopeful that Congress will build on last year’s progress on hemp research and pilot programs by passing the Industrial Hemp Farming Act to allow this historical American crop to once again thrive on our farmlands.”

“Because of outdated federal drug laws, our farmers can’t grow industrial hemp and take advantage of a more than $500 million market. We rely on imports to sustain consumer demand. It makes no sense,” said Representative Blumenauer. “Our fear of industrial hemp is misplaced – it is not a drug. It is time to pass the Industrial Hemp Farming Act and allow American farmers to cultivate this crop.” 

http://www.ladybud.com/2015/01/29/congress-introduces-industrial-hemp-farming-act-with-bi-partisan-support/

Bill would legalize industrial hemp

The Hill
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has introduced legislation to exempt industrial hemp from the Controlled Substances Act's definition of marijuana, thereby allowing it to be legally cultivated nationwide.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) co-sponsored the Senate version of the bill. Nearly 50 lawmakers of both parties signed onto the measure, including Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/230852-bill-would-legalize-industrial-hemp