Industrial hemp is genetically different from marijuana and refers to non-psychoactive varieties of the Cannabis plant. – Bussman Johnson Unveil Industrial Hemp Legalization Plan

Senator Bussman Unveils Industrial Hemp Legalization Plan

Legislation sponsored by Senator Paul Bussman and Representative Ken Johnson approval for the Department of Agriculture and Industries and Universities to grow hemp for research purposes.

Along with Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan, Senator Paul Bussman (R) Cullman and Representative Ken Johnson (R) introduced a proposal to permit the growth of industrial hemp for research purposes in Alabama late Wednesday. Such a move would make Alabama the 29th state to allow for scientific research of hemp.

The legislation would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Industries, or an institution of higher education, to research the uses of industrial hemp, which is genetically different from marijuana and refers to non-psychoactive varieties of the Cannabis plant.

Senator Bussman had this to say on the subject ahead of a 4 pm press conference Wednesday:

“The federal government has approved the production of industrial hemp and 28 states have already green-lighted pilot programs or production. This bill would allow the Agriculture Department and our colleges and universities to investigate the full uses of industrial hemp, which we already know can be used in the production of insulation materials, yarns, textiles, and even auto parts.”

Auburn University prepared a white paper in 2015 that concluded industrial hemp is well-suited to most of Alabama’s soils and seasonal weather patterns and the Hemp Industries Association estimates the total retail value of industrial hemp products in 2014 was $620 million.

Senator Bussman had this to say on the subject ahead of a 4 pm press conference Wednesday:

“The federal government has approved the production of industrial hemp and 28 states have already green-lighted pilot programs or production. This bill would allow the Agriculture Department and our colleges and universities to investigate the full uses of industrial hemp, which we already know can be used in the production of insulation materials, yarns, textiles, and even auto parts.”

Auburn University prepared a white paper in 2015 that concluded industrial hemp is well-suited to most of Alabama’s soils and seasonal weather patterns and the Hemp Industries Association estimates the total retail value of industrial hemp products in 2014 was $620 million.

Representative Ken Johnson was very enthusiastic about the possibilities for his district:

“If this is a viable and productive crop in other states, we owe it to Alabama farmers to at least research the economic opportunities in our own backyard. This legislation simply allows our colleges, universities, and the Department of Agriculture to evaluate whether industrial hemp is a good fit for Alabama.”

During the press conference, it was clear Commissioner McMillan was 100% the legislation and long term plan for hemp in Alabama:

“I want to commend Senator Bussman and Representative Johnson for their leadership on this issue and for their willingness to help seek new viable cash crops for Alabama farmers. We look forward to the potential research opportunities this legislation provides our state institutions of higher education.”

Paul Bussman represents State Senate District 4, which includes Cullman, Winston, Lawrence, and Marion Counties. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.

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Bussman Johnson Unveil Industrial Hemp Legalization Plan

About Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act

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Bussman Johnson Unveil Industrial Hemp Legalization Plan