Hemp Industry To Join Medical Marijuana Push In Pa.
An example of a health drink that includes hemp seeds. (File photo)
The hemp industry was once thriving in Pennsylvania and is looking to make a comeback as it once again gains ground throughout the US.
With last year’s federal farm bill reauthorizing hemp farming in the states under certain conditions, Sen. Judith Schwank and Sen. Mike Folmer—who also back a medical marijuana bill—plan to introduce a bill that would fully legalize hemp farming in Pennsylvania.
Schwank and Folmer will introduce Senate Bill 50 which, if adopted into law, would create the “Industrial Hemp Act.”
“The 2014 federal Farm Bill authorizes pilot programs for industrial hemp, and SB 50 provides oversight for growing, harvesting and marketing a traditional commonwealth crop while providing new opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers,” Schwank said.
In recent decades, hemp has made a comeback; due in part by imports from Canada. This has led to a boom in the use of hemp in everything from cooking oils and protein supplements to building supplies and the growing popularity of CBD oil.
Some states have also lifted restrictions because of how much more money struggling farmers can charge for the crop. On Saturday, it will be the subject of a conference at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, at which Folmer and Schwank will discuss their plan for its return.
Adam Thompson is one of the entrepreneurs anticipating its revival. […]
