Hemp gets boost in federal spending bill

Stepping forward as one of Kentucky’s first farmers to test hemp’s potential had sowed some anxiety for Michael Lewis.

Growing the non-intoxicating plant without a federal permit was banned decades ago due to its family ties to marijuana.

Hemp’s comeback gained a foothold with the federal farm bill. Now it has received another boost in the $1.1 trillion spending bill that cleared Congress in recent days. A provision in the bill would prevent the Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration from spending funds in violation of farm bill language allowing states to designate hemp pilot projects for research and development.

Lewis sees the latest hemp provision as a way to further legitimize the crop.

Kentucky has been at the forefront of efforts to revive the crop, which is prized for oils, seeds and fiber.

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