Robert Celt
New Member
Republicans who took control of the Legislature are supposed to be pro-business – but they clumsily undercut a brand-new West Virginia industry that might create Mountain State jobs.
The state Agriculture Department issued permits for various landowners to grow industrial hemp, a valuable commercial product unrelated to the cannabis plant used by marijuana puffers. Permit holders invested money and got ready for planting.
But in the final moments of the 2016 session, legislators passed a bill voiding those permits. SB 159 says industrial hemp may be grown only by the Agriculture Department or state universities.
Today is the deadline for Gov. Tomblin to sign or veto the law change. We hope he scuttles it and keeps open the door for a new West Virginia business. If he doesn't, expensive lawsuits will follow.
Some hemp supporters called the legislative action "a business horror story." Don Smith of Tornado, owner of Agri-Carb Electric Corp., told reporter Elaina Sauber:
"We followed the letter of the law and spent tens of thousands of dollars, only to have the rug pulled out from under us. What investor in their right mind would want to enter into any business in West Virginia when you have this kind of bait-and-switch?"
Tracey Butler of Swan Hill Farm in the Eastern Panhandle went through the long, difficult process of obtaining a hemp permit, and was preparing to build a $13,000 greenhouse – but has been thrown into limbo.
"Now we have about 12 acres where we're going to be growing nothing except grass this year," Butler said, adding that industrial hemp could help "bring the state out of the hole and allow farmers, former miners and returning veterans to get involved."
Industrial hemp has scores of valuable commercial uses. Plant stalks are used in clothing, carpet, canvas, blankets, fiberboard, insulation, paper, cardboard, mulch, shoes and many other products.
Hemp seeds go into bread, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal food, cosmetics, varnish, lubricants, printing ink – you name it.
The West Virginia Hemp Farmers Cooperative is preparing to sue if SB 159 takes effect. Why throw away an opportunity to gain a beneficial business and jobs? Gov. Tomblin should veto the unwise bill and let progress proceed.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: WV: Legislature's Anti-Hemp Business Bungle
Author: Editorial
Contact: Charleston Gazette-Mail
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Charleston Gazette-Mail
The state Agriculture Department issued permits for various landowners to grow industrial hemp, a valuable commercial product unrelated to the cannabis plant used by marijuana puffers. Permit holders invested money and got ready for planting.
But in the final moments of the 2016 session, legislators passed a bill voiding those permits. SB 159 says industrial hemp may be grown only by the Agriculture Department or state universities.
Today is the deadline for Gov. Tomblin to sign or veto the law change. We hope he scuttles it and keeps open the door for a new West Virginia business. If he doesn't, expensive lawsuits will follow.
Some hemp supporters called the legislative action "a business horror story." Don Smith of Tornado, owner of Agri-Carb Electric Corp., told reporter Elaina Sauber:
"We followed the letter of the law and spent tens of thousands of dollars, only to have the rug pulled out from under us. What investor in their right mind would want to enter into any business in West Virginia when you have this kind of bait-and-switch?"
Tracey Butler of Swan Hill Farm in the Eastern Panhandle went through the long, difficult process of obtaining a hemp permit, and was preparing to build a $13,000 greenhouse – but has been thrown into limbo.
"Now we have about 12 acres where we're going to be growing nothing except grass this year," Butler said, adding that industrial hemp could help "bring the state out of the hole and allow farmers, former miners and returning veterans to get involved."
Industrial hemp has scores of valuable commercial uses. Plant stalks are used in clothing, carpet, canvas, blankets, fiberboard, insulation, paper, cardboard, mulch, shoes and many other products.
Hemp seeds go into bread, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal food, cosmetics, varnish, lubricants, printing ink – you name it.
The West Virginia Hemp Farmers Cooperative is preparing to sue if SB 159 takes effect. Why throw away an opportunity to gain a beneficial business and jobs? Gov. Tomblin should veto the unwise bill and let progress proceed.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: WV: Legislature's Anti-Hemp Business Bungle
Author: Editorial
Contact: Charleston Gazette-Mail
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Charleston Gazette-Mail
