Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Gradually, South Dakota may change direction on issues involving marijuana. At least, the subject of legalizing marijuana can be raised now without it being automatically dismissed.
But the catch-all specter still does loom on cannabis issues, including industrial hemp. A state House committee last week approved a bill, HB 1204, that would open the door for cultivating industrial hemp, but it still faces familiar obstacles.
Industrial hemp is not the same as marijuana, mainly because the former has a far lower level of the psychoactive ingredient THC. So, it might be somewhat unfair to say the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee's approval of the plan reflects any kind of sea change regarding the legalization of marijuana. In fact, the House did pass a similar measure last year, but it was scuttled in the Senate.
Industrial hemp plants could be used to disguise marijuana cultivation, hemp opponents charge. Another argument, as put forth by Gov. Dennis Daugaard, warns that the legalization of industrial hemp could open the door to the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. And some law enforcement and social services officials worry that legalizing industrial hemp would send the wrong message to kids.
Hemp, you might say, has an identity problem.
Fortunately, the committee members were able to separate the potential provided by industrial hemp from the knee-jerk alarm that throws that product and marijuana into the same category.
Industrial hemp has a long history of use, going back at least at least 10,000 years, according to the Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice. The fast-growing plant has numerous commercial uses, ranging from ropes to clothing, to foods, lotions and newsprint. According to the North American Industrial Hemp Council, more than 25,000 products can be produced from hemp.
Hemp got a big boost from the 2014 farm bill, which allowed states to set up pilot projects for research into hemp production. North Dakota is among those that embraced this program.
South Dakota's bill would require potential producers of industrial hemp to pass a background check before becoming licensed to grow the crop, which sounds like a sensible step to take in order to simply investigate the economic possibilities of the crop.
Opposition is already forming, and even if it could pass through both the House and Senate, Daugaard has vowed to veto the legalization.
Embracing industrial hemp would make a great deal of sense just from basic agricultural and economic standpoints. One can understand the ties it has to consumable marijuana, but in this age when these plants in general are being given a new look, it should be possible to separate the industrial uses of hemp versus the broader family of cannabis.
Industrial hemp deserves that consideration. While it may not reach reality this session, it should eventually be seen as a cash crop that's worth the research and investment.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Industrial Hemp Worthy Of Consideration
Author: Staff
Contact: Rapid City Journal
Photo Credit: Alex Blucher
Website: Rapid City Journal
But the catch-all specter still does loom on cannabis issues, including industrial hemp. A state House committee last week approved a bill, HB 1204, that would open the door for cultivating industrial hemp, but it still faces familiar obstacles.
Industrial hemp is not the same as marijuana, mainly because the former has a far lower level of the psychoactive ingredient THC. So, it might be somewhat unfair to say the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee's approval of the plan reflects any kind of sea change regarding the legalization of marijuana. In fact, the House did pass a similar measure last year, but it was scuttled in the Senate.
Industrial hemp plants could be used to disguise marijuana cultivation, hemp opponents charge. Another argument, as put forth by Gov. Dennis Daugaard, warns that the legalization of industrial hemp could open the door to the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. And some law enforcement and social services officials worry that legalizing industrial hemp would send the wrong message to kids.
Hemp, you might say, has an identity problem.
Fortunately, the committee members were able to separate the potential provided by industrial hemp from the knee-jerk alarm that throws that product and marijuana into the same category.
Industrial hemp has a long history of use, going back at least at least 10,000 years, according to the Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice. The fast-growing plant has numerous commercial uses, ranging from ropes to clothing, to foods, lotions and newsprint. According to the North American Industrial Hemp Council, more than 25,000 products can be produced from hemp.
Hemp got a big boost from the 2014 farm bill, which allowed states to set up pilot projects for research into hemp production. North Dakota is among those that embraced this program.
South Dakota's bill would require potential producers of industrial hemp to pass a background check before becoming licensed to grow the crop, which sounds like a sensible step to take in order to simply investigate the economic possibilities of the crop.
Opposition is already forming, and even if it could pass through both the House and Senate, Daugaard has vowed to veto the legalization.
Embracing industrial hemp would make a great deal of sense just from basic agricultural and economic standpoints. One can understand the ties it has to consumable marijuana, but in this age when these plants in general are being given a new look, it should be possible to separate the industrial uses of hemp versus the broader family of cannabis.
Industrial hemp deserves that consideration. While it may not reach reality this session, it should eventually be seen as a cash crop that's worth the research and investment.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Industrial Hemp Worthy Of Consideration
Author: Staff
Contact: Rapid City Journal
Photo Credit: Alex Blucher
Website: Rapid City Journal
