Hemp Legalization Bill Approved in Connecticut
Connecticut to allow cultivation, study of industrial hemp
Joining more than twenty states with similar laws, Connecticut legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp on June 3. House Bill 5780, once it takes effect, will open the door to research at the state's institutes of higher learning, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture.
Last year, new federal regulations were introduced that dictated the legalization of industrial hemp cultivation for universities with agricultural programs, as well as departments of agriculture. Hemp will be cultivated under agricultural research or educational programs. The growth, cultivation and/or marketing of hemp are just some subjects of study that would benefit from the two hemp bills.
Although an international threshold of 0.1 % THC currently defines the difference between hemp plants and smoke-able weed, Connecticut's HB 5780 denotes a THC limit of 0.3 % in hemp plants.
Last year, the federal Farm Bill contained language relating to hemp pilot and research programs, forcing a dialog between the pro- and anti-hemp camps. American farmers have long lamented their inability to freely sow and harvest hemp, which actually helps to condition soil, prevent erosion and aid in crop rotation. Hemp plants require far less water and little to no pesticides, compared to commercial crops such as cotton or soy.
Tens of thousands of commercial products can be manufactured from hemp, including textiles, food, plastics, paper and construction materials; however, although hemp products are available for retail in the United States, the raw materials must be sourced internationally. This increases the carbon footprint of supposedly eco-friendly goods, in addition to robbing American farmers of precious income.
Also read on Soft Secrets:
- Connecticut Becomes the 19th State to Legalize Adult Use of Marijuana
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