Legislation, Senate Bill 2787, to further encourage the state Department of Agriculture to license farmers to grow industrial hemp for “research and development purposes” failed to move forward in the House after members of the Senate approved the measure in a 24-0 vote.
Additional legislation, Senate Bill 2757, to authorize the department of agriculture to establish a three-year industrial hemp research program to investigate the viability of industrial hemp as a building material for housing in the State failed to be considered by members of the Senate.
2016 was the final year in a two year session so this marks the end of consideration for both pieces of legislation.
In 2014, lawmakers previously approved legislation, Senate Bill 2175, establishing a two-year pilot program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to study the potential use of industrial hemp as a phytomediator (a plant capable of removing toxins from the soil) and as a biofuel.
NORML would like to thank those of you who contacted your state lawmakers in support of this common sense legislation.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
