HEMP Farming bill in CA Legislature!

[Bennyboy]

California Businesses and Farmers Await Passage of New Bill to Allow Commercial Farming of Industrial Hemp
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leading hemp advocacy organizations Vote Hemp and the Hemp Industries Association are applauding the introduction two weeks ago of SB 676 in support of hemp farming in the state of California. The bill clarifies that industrial hemp is separate and distinct from forms of Cannabis used to produce marijuana and if passed will allow commercial farming of industrial hemp, which occurred in the state up until shortly after World War II. Industrial hemp is the non-psychoactive, low-THC, oilseed and fiber varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp has absolutely no value as a recreational drug.
SB 676 was introduced on Friday, February 18th by state Senator Mark Leno. Senator Leno believes that hemp farming will help revitalize California's economy, "The time is long over due for California farmers to be allowed to grow this sustainable and profitable crop once again. The passage of SB 676 will create new jobs and economic opportunities for many farmers and manufacturers throughout the state."
A variety of products made from industrial hemp, including healthy food and natural body care products as well as eco-friendly clothing, are made in California. "There are over 50 member businesses of the Hemp Industries Association
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(HIA) that make or sell hemp products in the state of California alone that could benefit from an in-state source of hemp seed, fiber and oil," says Eric Steenstra, Executive Director of the HIA. "Because of an outdated federal policy these businesses are forced to import millions of dollars of industrial hemp from Canada, China and Europe."

READ MORE:http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20110228/pl_usnw/DC55572
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[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. GREAT news!

I would love to see this pass.

Recommended.

[Ezlivin]

2. Fire up those

tractors!

[RainDog]

3. this, combined with local first movements

can help to grow jobs - when people choose to use their money to buy products that are grown from fibers they choose - it's a win-win.

soap, too... oils... great news and, seems to me, long overdue to focus on the industrial uses of cannabis, and not just the psychoactive ones in CA - tho I support legalization of both.

[Nothing Without Hope]

4. Let's hope this happens - K & R n/t

[Bennyboy]

5. Contact your legislators!

http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html