A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPEAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE PRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS AN AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT.

WHEREAS, agriculture is the largest source of income for Montanans; and

WHEREAS, a devastating drop in prices for agricultural products is threatening the survival of Montana farm families; and

WHEREAS, it is a current major economic goal to diversify the agriculture of Montana; and

WHEREAS, although industrial hemp is often mistakenly associated with marijuana, it is a different plant, with little or no tetrahydrocannabinol or narcotic properties, so Montana farmers should not be prohibited from expanding agricultural practices to the growing of industrial hemp; and

WHEREAS, in over 30 countries, including Canada, England, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, existing international treaties provide for the agricultural production and sale of industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural product; and

WHEREAS, industrial hemp has been used in the manufacture of paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, food, fuel, and animal feed and can grow to maturity in 100 days without the necessity of pesticides; and

WHEREAS, current United States federal policy prevents the American agricultural production of industrial hemp while foreign hemp is being imported, at a loss of millions of dollars to American farm families; and

WHEREAS, current federal policy is inconsistent with international agricultural policy and places an unnecessary financial restriction on the Montana agricultural community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the House of Representative of the State of Montana urge the federal government to repeal restrictions on the production of industrial hemp as an agricultural and industrial product.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to all appropriate federal agencies that have authority over the current policy prohibiting the production of industrial hemp.

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I hereby certify that the within resolution,

HR 0002, originated in the House.

Chief Clerk of the House

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2

INTRODUCED BY J. HURDLE, T. BECK, V. COCCHIARELLA, B. CRIPPEN, G. DEVLIN, H. HARPER, C. HIBBARD, B. RANEY, E. SWANSON, J. TESTER, D. TOEWS, R. BUZZAS, B. EGGERS, G. GOLIE, G. GUTSCHE, J. HOLDEN, L. NELSON, S. ROSE, J. STOVALL, C. WILLIAMS

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPEAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE PRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS AN AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT.