Kentucky's new agriculture commissioner backs a bill that supports the legalization of industrial hemp in Kentucky.
The bill would allow farmers to apply for a permit to grow hemp. Federal approval would still be needed for farmers to actually grow it. But Commissioner James Comer says the bill would send the right message.
"Today people see what Canada has done with this crop," Comer told ABC 36 on Thursday. "We're importing industrial hemp in products we buy every day here in Kentucky. That crop will grow well in this climate. It's a viable option for our farmers, and it's something that i want to see and make a reality in Kentucky."
Comer says police used to oppose hemp because of concerns it would be confused with marijuana, but he says he doesn't know any who are now against it.
