SENATE BILL ALLOWS GROWTH, SALE OF HEMP FOR INDUSTRIAL USES

The Oregon Senate has voted to join 15 other states with legislation
that outlines state practices for the growth and sale of industrial hemp.

Senate Bill 676 moved to the House on a 27-2 vote Friday.

"Industrial hemp is an innovative crop that is regaining its
popularity across the globe," said Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene,
the bill's floor manager. "This legislation sets the course for
growing and selling this high-demand crop in Oregon."

SB 676 identifies that industrial hemp is an agricultural product
that is subject to regulation by the Department of Agriculture and
requires that all growers and handlers have an industrial-hemp license.

The department will establish a field inspection program, a
certification process for hemp seed, and a civil-penalty procedure
for violations.

The terms "hemp" and "industrial hemp" refer specifically to
varieties of Cannabis sativa characterized by low levels of THC,
marijuana's primary psychoactive chemical. These strains are
cultivated for industrial use only.

Industrial hemp was grown in the United States since colonial times
but was banned in 1970 when it was redefined as marijuana.