Kentucky has a long agricultural history, among those crops are Tobacco and Hemp, so much so an artistic representation of those two plants are in the capitol rotunda in Frankfort. Unfortunately, Hemp once a great economic engine for this state fell to our ignorance of the Drug War in this nation and has been illegal for quite some time. Tobacco has seen better times in this state and while Kentucky has a good agricultural base it could be better, stronger and more diverse. The solution bring Hemp back!
After a very hard 2011 electoral season in Kentucky the cream of that crop is rising to the top. Jamie Comer (R), the new Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner (endorsed by TBK). Comer not only has taken over a very troubled office left by his predecessor and reforming it, he has kept his word in a way many did not imagine. Some thought that he would focus on transition, clean up the mess, then when he had time focus on Industrial Hemp. But no, he is doing all three at once as well as many other promises he made to the electorate.
Comer has picked up the mantle that political activist and long time TBK Friend (and recently deceased) Gatewood Galbraith, who fought for many issues, but one that was near and dear to him was Industrial Hemp because he knew what it would mean for the state he loved. What did Gatewood know that many Kentuckians already knew and Comer and several legislators in Frankfort are realizing? That Industrial would mean Economic Development, Energy Alternatives, and Environmental Stewardship, all issues raised yesterday at a press conference that Comer held to push for Industrial Hemp legislation in Kentucky. Last week he spoke to the House about the importance of Industrial Hemp for Kentucky and this week with the press conference and testifying in front of the Senate.
Comer was surrounded by long time Industrial Hemp advocate in the Legislature, Senator Joey Pendleton (D) who has sponsored the Industrial Hemp legislation for the past several sessions, and in the House Representative Richard Henderson (R) the primary sponsor, Representative Keith Hall (D) a energy expert in the legislature. The event was introduced by Representative Ryan Quarels (R). What this collection of legislators means is this is a bi-partisan effort of legislators that understand the need for Industrial Hemp for Kentucky and acting in the best interests and desires of the Citizens of Kentucky. Also on hand was newly elected Representative Kim King (R) who seems to be a reformer and Liberty Lt. Governor Candidate with Phil Moffett was Representative Mike Harmon (R).
Issues discussed is how a UK study proves that Industrial Hemp will mean 17,000 immediate Jobs, and eventually a lot more and multiplier jobs. The products that can be made from Hem such as textiles, automotive parts, paper, lotions, food for livestock. A better alternative energy source to corn based ethanol, and the fact that it can be grown more times on the same plot of land and produce more fuel. An added benefit to Hemp is that it absorbs carbon dioxide at a grated rate than any other plant lowering Kentucky’s Carbon Footprint (if you buy the global warming science, of which TBK is) as well as being the more dominate cannabis plant will help in neutralizing Marijuana when cross pollination happens if that is a concern or anyone’s. Comer directed anyone who had questions and wanted to see some of the products that Industrial Hemp can make were directed to TBK member Craig Lee, the authority on Industrial Hemp in Kentucky.
This effort will not be without hurdles, as the Hemp Commission was set up years ago, but nothing has been done, due to the politics of fear surrounding the Drug War. However, times are changing and polling shows 70% of Kentuckians want this as Comer sites, but more education needs to be done as that was stressed. We need to go all out to pass either the House Bill 286 and Senate Bill 41, while at the same time pushing for Ron Paul’s bill in the Congress to allowIndustrial Hemp HR 1831. The hope is at the least we can get a pilot program being realistic if not more. Kentucky will be a leader in Industrial Hemp and the economy in these tough economic times. “Now is the Time!”
ALERTS WILL FOLLOW, STAY TUNED
TBK is buying the global warming science?
No, but for those concerned the science is sound that Hemp does in fact absorb high amounts of Carbon Dioxide.