Comer Introduces Industrial Hemp Bill

Kentucky Representative (and former agriculture commissioner) James Comer introduced new legislation (H.R. 3530) to reduce the burden of regulations and statutes applicable to industrial hemp, an industry which is growing by leaps and bounds in Kentucky.

Currently, the statute allows "pilot projects" and "research," but the industry needs more clarity and certainty to encourage investment and growth. Potential industrial uses include lighter, stronger fibers for composite materials and plywood, as well as textiles, and the constituent chemicals and oils for medical, food, and cosmetic applications. The new act facilitates commercialization by taking the important step of removing industrial hemp containing 0.3% or less of the psychoactive ingredient THC from the Controlled Substances Act's definition of "marihuana." Additionally, the bill would allow research into hemp with as much as 0.6% THC, still far below psychoactive levels.