A bill allowing Indiana farmers to grow industrial hemp passed Thursday through a Senate committee.
House Bill 1137 would allow the state agriculture department to set up a pilot program to study the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp and its products. Hemp is made from a part of the cannabis plant and contains low levels of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. At a CBD oil rally earlier this month, supporters described the benefits of hemp. It can be used as food and fuel, or to treat various health problems, such as epilepsy.
Lawmakers have been debating the legalization of CBD oil and industrial hemp all session. Both chambers will vote in the coming weeks on bills that would legalize CBD oil, a product similar to hemp that comes from a different strain of the cannabis plant.
According to some supporters of legalization, hemp has many benefits for the consumer, and allowing farmers to grow it could have numerous benefits for the economy. Lelah Jerger, a co-organizer of the Feb. 2 rally, said people should support the passage of bills related to CBD oil and hemp, even if residents are only concerned with the agricultural benefits.
“Let’s stress what it’s going to do for Indiana’s economy, and then, let’s stress what it’s going to do for Hoosiers,” she said.
Although the bill passed unanimously through the House, it only passed 8-3 in the Senate commerce and technology committee. It now makes its way to the full Senate, where it will be voted on.
Laurel Demkovich
