Assembly legislation, A 2628, is pending in the 2016 legislative session to redefine industrial hemp as an agricultural crop and establish licensing regulations for the plant’s cultivation.
Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed and other products. The crop is commercially cultivated throughout the world.
Members of Congress recently approved language in the omnibus federal Farm Bill explicitly authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Presently, 24 states have enacted legislation permitting licensed hemp cultivation in a manner that is compliant with this statute. It is time to allow New Jersey farmers the opportunity to explore this emerging market.
Assembly bill 2628 is presently pending before the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
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National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
