Global Hemp Inc informed that the California Assembly approved bill letting farmers grow hemp.
A bill approved by the state Assembly would add California to the growing number of states seeking to legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp - a biological relative of marijuana.
Supporters claim that despite its family links, hemp is a completely safe product that could become a cash crop for California farmers because of its use in a long list of products from soap and cosmetics to rope, jewelry and even luggage.
But even if the measure eventually becomes law, farmers would still face hurdles to actually cultivate the plant because hemp contains trace amounts of a banned substance and may still fall under federal anti-drug rules.
The bill's author, Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, said the Assembly's passage of the measure marks an important milestone.
“This makes sense,” said Leno. “It could provide an opportunity of great value to family farmers. This could be a bonanza of job growth.”
The bill passed on a vote of 41-30. If senators approve it, it would need the governor's signature. A spokesman for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he has not taken a position on the proposal.
Some critics complained that allowing hemp to be grown puts the state on a slippery slope.
“You pass industrial hemp today and then something else and then something else,” said Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy, R-Monrovia. “And then at some point you will get legalized marijuana.”
marketing@alchempro.com
