Reps Paul, Frank introduce bill to legalize industrial hemp

April 4, 2009 | Vetting explained

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One of the earliest plants domesticated by man may be on the verge of a resurgence in popular production across the United States.

Industrial hemp, a non-drug variety of the cannabis plan, used for centuries for its versatile fibers, is the subject of a new bill filed by Congressmen Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank (D-MA). They and eight cosponsors, both Republican and Democrat, hope to legalize the plant so American farmers can begin supplying fibers for a wide array of products, with the overreaching goal of opening a new sector in American agriculture.

To view the bill's status, full text and list of sponsors, or to follow new developments, visit Govtrack.us.

"It is unfortunate that the federal government has stood in the way of American farmers, including many who are struggling to make ends meet, from competing in the global industrial hemp market," said Representative Ron Paul during his introduction of the bill and in a media advisory issued by advocacy group VoteHemp.

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