Support for industrial hemp is growing in Kentucky behind the efforts of Agriculture Commissioner James Comer. With last week's endorsement from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Comer now has the majority of the state’s federal delegation behind him.
Both senators and half of the state's congressmen have publicly endorsed legalizing industrial hemp. They say Kentucky is well-suited to be a leader in growing hemp for fiber and oil. But the push does have its opponents.
Law enforcement agencies reject hemp for a number of reasons; most importantly because it's a cousin to marijuana. And as support increases, law enforcement has remained firm on this point. Before Kentucky can grow hemp, it has to be legalized on the state and federal levels. The issue will be taken up at a state Senate committee meeting in a week. It's expected to pass.
