Defending the most versatile crop on earth

ERIC LINEBACK
 
LEGALIZING the cultivation of hemp is one of the most important social- and economic-justice issues of our times.
The United States remains the only advanced nation in the world which allows the importation and sale of hemp raw materials and finished goods, but bans its farmers from growing the crop.
With American consumers now spending over $500 million annually on hemp products, our farmers are tired of being left out — they want the option to grow hemp.
On May 13, the Vermont Legislature passed S.157, the Hemp Bill, which will allow Vermont farmers to plant hemp as early as this year by simplifying existing law and making it effective upon passage without waiting for a change in federal policy.
The bill now goes to Gov. Peter Shumlin, whom we expect will sign it into law.
 
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