Oregon: Senate Bill 676 Allows Growth, Sale Of Hemp For Industrial Uses

Submitted by restore on Tue, 06/23/2009 - 19:38

By Peter Wong, Statesman Journal

There is a truth that must be heard! The Oregon Senate has voted to join 15 other states with legislation that outlines state practices for the growth and sale of industrial hemp.
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Senate Bill 676 moved to the House on a 27-2 vote Friday.

"Industrial hemp is an innovative crop that is regaining its popularity across the globe," said Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, the bill's floor manager. "This legislation sets the course for growing and selling this high-demand crop in Oregon."

SB 676 identifies that industrial hemp is an agricultural product that is subject to regulation by the Department of Agriculture and requires that all growers and handlers have an industrial-hemp license.

The department will establish a field inspection program, a certification process for hemp seed, and a civil-penalty procedure for violations.

The terms "hemp" and "industrial hemp" refer specifically to varieties of Cannabis sativa characterized by low levels of THC, marijuana's primary psychoactive chemical. These strains are cultivated for industrial use only.

Industrial hemp was grown in the United States since colonial times but was banned in 1970 when it was redefined as marijuana.


Related: Oregon: Senate Votes To Put Oregon In The Hemp Business
http://hemp.org/news/senate-votes-oregon-in-hemp-business


Source: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090622/LEGISLATURE/906220314/1...