Press Releases

Hemp commission takes up amendment to SB 50; many urge action on DEA permit

 

For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 21, 2013
For more information contact:
Holly VonLuehrte
(502) 573-0450

FRANKFORT, Ky. Members of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission expressed concerns that state Rep. Rocky Adkins proposed amendment to Sen. Paul Hornbacks industrial hemp bill would result in Kentucky being left behind when the federal government legalizes industrial hemp production in the United States.

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, the chairman of the commission and a supporter of Senate Bill 50, and others are worried that the amendment strips the administrative framework from the bill that would help Kentuckys federal delegation pursue a permit from the Drug Enforcement Administration to allow Kentucky to grow industrial hemp. Other aspects of the amendment received mixed reviews during the commissions meeting today in Frankfort.

I am open to compromise language as long as it does not delay the quest to put Kentucky first in line for the jobs industrial hemp would create, Comer said. If we have to wait for another study, 49 other states will be growing hemp. I think I speak for the Commission when I say we trust Sen. Hornback to guide this legislation to a successful conclusion.

Comer told the group he had invited both Democrat and Republican House leadership to todays meeting. Democrat leadership declined the invitation. Republican Caucus Chairman Bob DeWeese, speaking on behalf of Republican House leadership, stated that his caucus was supportive of the hemp issue and that he appreciated the Commissions hard work on the legislation. Democrat Rep. Tom McKee, chairman of the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee and a Commission member, told the group he was proud that the original SB 50 passed his committee with a vote of 24-1.

With the vote in the House committee, 25 percent of the House has already voted for this bill, Comer said. I believe if the original SB 50 comes to the floor for a vote, it will pass by an overwhelming margin.

Additionally, the Commission heard a report on biofuels, another industry that has expressed interest in using industrial hemp. This led to a discussion of moving forward with the DEA permitting process. Former Democrat State Treasurer and Commission member Jonathan Miller, who has close ties to the Presidents administration, said all indications are that hemp production will be legal in this country very soon.

With such bipartisan support, I believe our message is resonating in Washington, Miller said. There are many talks about legalizing hemp at the mid- and upper levels in the federal government, and a federal change could happen any day now. We have to be ready.

Sen. Hornback told the group he is set to meet with Rep. Adkins tomorrow at 11 a.m. EDT.