Senate Passes Authorization for Industrial Hemp

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Senate has passed a bill that would allow people to grow industrial hemp as an agricultural product, but only as part of a research program.

Senate Bill 6206 passed the full Senate on a 48-1 vote Thursday. The measure would allow Washington State University to study aspects of growing and selling industrial hemp such as whether soil and growing conditions in the state are appropriate.

Industrial hemp is defined differently than marijuana in the bill, and not meant to be used as a drug. Hemp can be used to make biofuel, clothes, food and beauty products.

Hemp growers would be subject to background checks, among other regulations, under the bill.