In case you missed it, yesterday Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway issued a letter threatening prosecution of Kentucky farmers that attempt to grow industrial hemp.
Agriculture Commissioner James Comer released the following statement in response:
“Jack Conway is wrong to threaten to prosecute farmers,” Commissioner Comer said. “Hemp is legal in Kentucky, and the federal government has made it clear that it is not going to prosecute farmers for growing hemp. It makes no sense that Attorney General Conway would throw up an unnecessary government obstacle to an industry that has the potential to create jobs and revenue for Kentucky.”
And Kentucky’s Senators agree with Commissioner Comer’s efforts. The Senators’ statements from the Courier-Journal today:
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Rand Paul, who have been pushing for the legalization of industrial hemp, issued statements essentially disagreeing with Conway, a Democrat.
“I continue to work closely with (Kentucky Agriculture) Commissioner (James) Comer, Senator Paul and Congressman (Thomas) Massie (R-4th District) on the best federal approach which will aid Kentucky farmers and allow them to harness the economic potential that industrial hemp can provide,” McConnell said. “Industrial hemp has the potential to provide an economic boost to Kentucky and create jobs, and can be done in a way that does not compromise Kentucky law enforcement marijuana eradication efforts or promote illegal drug use,” McConnell added.
Paul said this: “Kentucky law provides for the production of industrial hemp in the commonwealth and we are ready to move forward.” “The Obama administration has weighed in on laws in other states and I would expect for Kentucky to be treated equally in this process,” he added. “I support Agriculture Commissioner James Comer’s efforts on this issue and I will continue to do all I can to secure this new industry for Kentucky.”
So our message is this: Tell Jack Conway to stop threatening Kentucky farmers.
