NPR
Megan Mummey, a collections management archivist at the University of
Kentucky, discusses a history of hemp exhibit at the Margaret I. King
Library.
From keystone cash crop to banned substance surrounded in suspicion, hemp has long been a part of Kentucky’s story.
A new exhibit at the Margaret I. King Library tells chronicles that saga through rare photos, documents, and artifacts.
Listen
http://wmky.org/post/exhibit-details-kentuckys-twisted-history-hemp
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The State Agriculture Committee heard an update last week on
Kentucky's hemp pilot project. In September, researchers at the
University of Kentucky harvested the first legal crop in decades. UK
Plant Sciences Professor David Williams says there's growing interest in
a variety of hemp supported products. "They're particularly interested
in the vast of the long strong fibers for composite materials like car
door panels, pseudo plastics, particle board type products, building
construction materials," said Williams.
Some members of law
enforcement have previously expressed concerns about trying to crack
down on marijuana in the midst of hemp production. Committee Chair Paul
Hornback and University of Kentucky Researcher David Williams say plots
are easily identifiable. "It really makes it pretty easy for state
police because they have the coordinates, If there is a plot growing
that is not under those coordinates, then, it's illegal," said Hornback.
"The entire Canadian industry operates under that exact same protocol," added Williams.
Williams
told committee members researchers are holding on to the hemp harvested
from the test plots. He says a larger amount will be planted in 2015,
but far short of the amount needed to meet commercial interests. The
state Department of Agriculture is also permitting hemp sites for
individual farmers next year.
http://weku.fm/post/legislative-committee-briefed-hemp-research-plans-2015
