Legislation has been tabled, SB 3 and HB 148, to permit the state Department of Agriculture to license farmers to grow industrial hemp for “research and development purposes.”
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 (Section 7606) 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.
Despite this however, lawmakers in New Mexico failed to even consider pending hemp legislation.
NORML would like to thank those of you who contacted your state elected officials in support of these measures.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
