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State of Oklahoma

Posted: Apr 24, 2018 1:31 PMUpdated: Apr 24, 2018 1:31 PM

Governor Fallin Signs Bill For Hemp Pilot Program

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Ben Nicholas
Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill that creates a pilot program, overseen by state agriculture officials and Oklahoma's higher education institutions, allowing permits to grow industrial hemp.
 
House Bill 2913 creates the Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry will manage the program, which allows universities or farmers contracting with universities to cultivate certified hemp seed for research and development. HB 2913 creates within the department a revolving fund that will consist of all registration, lab, and inspection fees paid by program participants.
 
After processing, hemp can be used to make textiles, biodegradable plastic and oils. Industrial hemp is distinctly different than marijuana. 
 
Even though they both come from the same plant species, the varieties that are used to make industrial hemp products and those that are used to make marijuana are scientifically different. Industrial hemp is a number of varieties intended for agricultural and industrial purposes while marijuana varieties are intended for medical and recreational drug use
 
Three dozen states have implemented similar programs. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, the federal government enabled states to begin experimenting with growing hemp as a cash crop.
 
HB 2913 passed 92-0 in the House of Representatives, and 39-1 in the Senate.
 
It takes effect immediately.

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