GOP senators look to legalize industrial hemp

Hemp isn’t a drug, it’s an important commodity. Or at least that’s the argument from Republican Sen. Cory Gardner.

Gardner (R-Colo.), along with three co-sponsors, introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 Thursday.

“Industrial hemp is a safe substance with many practical commercial applications,” Gardner told The Hill. “Removing it from the Controlled Substances Act is a commonsense move, which would create jobs and get the government out of the way of farmers and our agricultural industry.”

Gardner stressed that legalizing hemp farming would help the Colorado economy.

“Hemp has the potential to be a major boon to Colorado agriculture, giving farmers another viable and profitable option for their fields,” he continued.

Since hemp is grown from the same plant as marijuana, it is currently included on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of banned drugs. However, it is widely believed to be less potent than the pot plants grown and loved in Colorado.

Hemp can be used to produce products such as paper, plastic, rope, fuel, or some organic foods, The Hill reported.

The bill’s other co-sponsors include Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, whose state currently allows the legal recreational use of marijuana, libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

A related bill was introduced in the House back in January.

But the prospective rope-makers of the world should be patient. The bill is currently languishing in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the House Judiciary Committee.

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