Advocates: Legal Hemp Would Be a ‘Boon’ To ND Ag

Advocates of legalized hemp say the crop could be a "boon" for North Dakota farmers.

The Fargo Forum reports the pending national farm bill includes a provision to legalize hemp production.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) signed off on the bill last week and declared his support for legal hemp farming. The House approved the bill Wednesday; it now goes to the desk of President Trump to be signed into law.

“At a time when farm income is down and growers are struggling, industrial hemp is a bright spot of agriculture’s future,” Mr. McConnell tweeted. “My provision in the Farm Bill will not only legalize domestic hemp, but it will also allow state departments of agriculture to be responsible for its oversight.”

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne also endorsed the measure, saying it would be a "really good thing" for the state.

The versatile crop has suffered for decades by its association with marijuana (both are byproducts of the cannabis sativa plant). The new bill would overturn the portion of a 1970 law, which put hemp on the list of "controlled substances."

[Source: Fargo Forum]