SENATE RESOLUTION 53

(By Senators Beach, Cline, Stollings, Plymale and Rucker)

[Introduced March 27, 2017]

Designating March 27, 2017, as West Virginia Industrial Hemp Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, In 2002, West Virginia adopted the Industrial Hemp Development Act to promote growth of industrial hemp farms and industry in the state; and

Whereas, The Agricultural Act of 2014 §7606, Legitimacy of Industrial Hemp Research, amended the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to redefine “industrial hemp” and remove it from the current definition of “marijuana”, thereby allowing hemp to be grown, processed, transported and sold under state and federal laws; and

Whereas, A variety of products can be made from industrial hemp through its use of fiber, seed, seed oil, floral extracts and root. Industrial hemp can be found in products such as paper, fabric, auto parts, animal bedding, body care products and essential oils; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp has more protein per pound than beef, has essential amino acids and is a sustainable source of omega-3 making it a great replacement for fish oil and useful for many other health benefits; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp farmers and processors have begun evaluating the profitability of farming and processing operations within the state after successfully cultivating 9 acres of industrial hemp in 2016; and

Whereas, Licensed hemp farmers across the state are currently prepping ground to plant 30 acres of hemp in 2017; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp was grown on the organic farm at West Virginia University in 2016 for research and development; and

Whereas, Industrial hemp will provide new opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship to revitalize agricultural industries and keep more young talent in the state; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has been very supportive of the hemp industry and is making efforts to expand the access for farmers to join the program and increase access to idle infrastructure across the state; and

Whereas, West Virginia agriculture will play a large role in the state’s future, ranking 11th in the United States in apple production, 16th in the United States turkey production and 18th in the United States chicken meat production; and could be a leader in industrial hemp farming, processing and advanced manufacturing of value added materials and products; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 27, 2017, as West Virginia Industrial Hemp Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Senate urges the promotion of increased production of industrial hemp to promote agricultural growth within the state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to each member of West Virginia’s delegation to the United States Congress.