American industrial hemp production peaked in 1943, with more than 150 million pounds from 146,200 harvested acres. Currently, 15 states have legalized industrial hemp production, and about two dozen others have introduced legislation that, if passed, would authorize research, set up a regulatory framework or legalize the growing of industrial hemp. The U.S. House will vote on two amendments Thursday that would prohibit the Drug Enforcement Administration from interfering with industrial hemp programs and cultivation that have been legalized by states. The hemp amendments come in the wake of a high-profile DEA seizure earlier this month of a 250-pound shipment of industrial hemp seeds intended for use in Kentucky's hemp-growing pilot program. One hemp-related amendment would prohibit the Department of Justice, including the DEA, from blocking states from importing hemp seeds to grow for state industrial hemp research programs made legal by the recent passage of the federal farm bill.
The U.S. House will vote on two amendments Thursday that would prohibit the Drug Enforcement Administration from interfering with industrial hemp programs and cultivation that have been legalized by states.
One hemp-related amendment would prohibit the Department of Justice, including the DEA, from blocking states from importing hemp seeds to grow for state industrial hemp research programs made legal by the recent passage of the federal farm bill. The amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which controls the DEA's budget, was offered by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).
The other hemp amendment, offered...
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