Michigan House Approves Industrial Hemp Bills
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]I[/dropcap]ndustrial hemp could soon become a solid regulated industry in Michigan if lawmakers get their way. On Oct. 4, the Michigan House approved House Bills 6330, 6331 and 6380, which would legalize industrial hemp and create a licensing and oversight program.
The bills are sponsored by State Rep. Dan Lauwers, who believes that industrial hemp could serve as a job-creator in Michigan. The trio of bills was introduced last month and progress is moving forward quickly. As defined under federal law, hemp contains no more than 0.3 percent THC and is used mostly for its fibers and CBD content.
“The growth and production of industrialized hemp has been illegal in the United States since 1937. Through the 2014 federal Farm Bill, research in industrialized hemp was made legal,” Lauwers told WNEM. “This legislation would encourage more crop diversity, generate new jobs and provide additional opportunities for local manufacturers.”
Industrial hemp could bring major economic benefits to the state of Michigan. Some opponents cited that cannabis and hemp look almost identical, but a number of safeguards under the bills would prevent any confusion. Hemp farmers would be subject to pre-harvest testing to prove that their hemp plants contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Over half of American states have taken advantage of hemp’s various properties, and Lauwers wants to see that happen in Michigan. “More than 30 states, including our neighbors in Wisconsin and Indiana, have allowed or are considering allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp. Our farmers also deserve this option,” Lauwers said.
Michigan already allows an industrial hemp research program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and institutions. Recently, Illinois legalized industrial hemp and several other states have hemp-related efforts in the works. There are few states left that don’t allow hemp cultivation of any kind. The bill now heads to the Michigan Senate for consideration.
