Senators advance hemp bill

Industrial hemp could be grown in Nebraska under a bill advanced from general file March 4.

LB1001, introduced by Cortland Sen. Norm Wallman, would allow industrial hemp to be grown in Nebraska for commercial purposes and exempt it from the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Only plants containing one percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), the active ingredient of the cannabis plant, would be approved for use.

As originally introduced, the bill would require those wishing to grow hemp to obtain a license from the state Department of Agriculture. A legal description of the land to be used for production would be required. LB1001 would direct the department to create regulations for licensing, testing for THC levels and documenting seed varieties.

Wallman said nine states have passed laws permitting research and growth of industrial hemp since the federal government approved it for commercial use.

“I believe there is a market for this product and I’d like to see Nebraska jump in at the beginning,” he said.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 32-0, removed from the proposed application process a required criminal background check and fingerprinting, as well as language that would have deemed any person with a prior criminal conviction ineligible for a license.

“There’s no reason to have any kind of criminal penalties for misuse of this product because it’s not an illegal substance,” said Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford, the committee chairperson. “It’s a legitimate agricultural product that will bring a significant amount of revenue into our state.”

Senators advanced the bill on a 32-1 vote.