Policy on hemp production

Minnesota could join a neighboring state in its effort to allow the growing of industrial hemp.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) told the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee March 25 that North Dakota is taking the lead on challenging federal law.

She sponsors HF608, which would lay out the policy for industrial hemp production in the state. However, Kahn said that nothing could happen until Congress approves the change and the U.S. Department of Justice, and Drug Enforcement Administration actually grant an application.

Approved by the committee, the bill now moves to the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee. Its companion, SF1365, sponsored by Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Committee.

Hemp production was banned by the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, largely because of fears the plant could mask growth of its cousin, the marijuana plant.

Until that time, industrial hemp was grown legally in the United States for a wide variety of purposes including cloth and paper production.

Supporters say that products made from industrial hemp grown in Canada are currently available in this country, while others, including Rep. Dave Olin (DFL-Thief River Falls), are still concerned about any relationship with growing marijuana.