Frankfort, Ky: Over the last few years, Kentucky has blazed a trail for the reintroduction of industrial hemp as a cash crop. Now, a Kentucky official is helping to lead the charge for hemp nationwide. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, joined by Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, introduced the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 in the U.S. Senate today. The bill would legalize and clearly define hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list of controlled substances. The legislation will also give states the opportunity to become the primary regulators of hemp, allow hemp researchers to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and make hemp farmers eligible to apply for crop insurance. McConnell says he sees potential for the crop to lead to new jobs and new opportunities for farmers.

“As the tobacco industry has changed, some farmers in states like Kentucky have been searching for a new crop that can support their families and grow our agricultural economy. Many believe they have found such a product, industrial hemp, but the federal government has stood in the way. Mr. President it’s time to change that.”

First District Congressman James Comer will introduce a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

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