April 16, 2019
Industrial hemp could be on its way back to Nebraska fields after almost 80 years.
State lawmakers took a major step Monday toward allowing marijuana’s practical cousin to be grown, harvested, processed and marketed in the state.
Despite warnings from some senators, the Legislature gave 37-4 first-round approval to a bill that would legalize industrial hemp and its products, including cannabidiol, or CBD, products.
Legislative Bill 657, introduced by State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, provides for licensing and regulation of the new crop. The bill follows the regulation steps spelled out in last year’s federal farm bill. It also creates a Nebraska Hemp Commission to promote hemp and its products.
Wayne said he introduced the measure because he wanted to find a way to create jobs in Nebraska. In particular, he has said he hopes to land hemp processing facilities in his north Omaha district.
