Hemp Bill Hits the Rocks in Kentucky House Committee

Prospects remain uncertain for a bill that would regulate industrial hemp if the crop ever makes a comeback in Kentucky.

The House Agriculture and Small Business Committee heard nearly two hours of testimony but took no vote on the bill Wednesday morning in Frankfort. A motion calling for a vote on the bill was ruled out of order by committee chairman Tom McKee.

McKee is pushing to rewrite the bill to have a university study of hemp, which thrived in Kentucky decades ago but is now illegal. The bill, which would allow hemp to be grown in the state if a federal ban is lifted, had easily passed the Senate.

McKee says he plans to reconvene the committee later Wednesday to review the legislation.