Looks Like Sen McCaskill Supports Hemp Farming

Dear Mr. Scott,

Thank you for contacting me regarding industrial hemp and hemp farming.  I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

With my support, Congress passed and the President signed into law the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) pdf.  Commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, this legislation sets policy and funding levels for agriculture and nutrition programs for the next five years.  

The Farm Bill provides critical support to Missouri farmers and ranchers, protects nutrition support for low-income families and other Missourians in need, promotes conservation, and encourages research on biofuels that advance our energy independence, all while helping to reduce spending by $23 billion over the next ten years.

Within this comprehensive legislation, the 2014 Farm Bill included an amendment allowing legalized hemp production in some instances.  Specifically, the amendment allows State Agriculture Departments, colleges, and universities to grow hemp, defined as the non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis, for academic or agricultural research purposes, although it applies only to states where industrial hemp farming is already legal under state law.

As you may know, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has also introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 (S. 134).  This bill would differentiate the definition of "hemp" from "marijuana" and would permit industrial hemp production based on state law.  I understand the many potential uses of hemp and will consider its benefits should legislation related to hemp farming be considered by the full Senate.

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it awaits consideration.  Should this or similar legislation come to the Senate floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue.

Sincerely,

Claire McCaskill
United States Senator

P.S. If you would like more information about resources that can help Missourians, or what I am doing in the Senate on your behalf, please sign up for my email newsletter athttp://mccaskill.senate.gov.

Looks Like Missouri Sen McCaskill Supports Hemp Farming