Senate minority leader, Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), has announced his support for the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. By officially cosponsoring the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, Schumer has signaled an important partnership with his Republican counterpart, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) the Senate majority leader, who is the primary sponsor of the bill.

Schumer said the bill could help unlock hemp’s full potential as an agricultural commodity across New York State by removing it from a federal list of controlled substances. New York facilities, such as The Center for Discovery and SUNY Sullivan, who have partnered and are growing the first biodynamic hemp in the state would benefit from this new legislation by continuing to grow, research and expand their hemp pilot program.

“The federal government made a mistake when they labeled hemp as a controlled substance, putting it on par with dangerous substances like heroin. In reality, industrial hemp is an oyster with a pearl of opportunities that could mean millions in economic revenue while also helping to support new local jobs in Sullivan, Orange and Ulster counties,” said Schumer. “Industrial hemp can be used to make everything from paper, to clothing, to plastics, which is why it so important we fix this outdated law as soon as possible so farms, businesses, and partnerships, like the one fostered between The Center For Discovery and SUNY Sullivan can continue to grow, expand, and research benefits of hemp without the onerous and outdated restrictions from the federal government.”

Schumer urged his colleagues in both the House and the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible. The Schumer-backed Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was introduced by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and does the following:

• Removes industrial hemp from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act
• Empowers states to be the principal regulators of hemp
• Allows hemp researchers to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Finally, it would make hemp farmers eligible to apply for crop insurance

Industrial hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is grown largely for industrial uses, but it can also be utilized for food, oil, and cosmetic products. Hemp contains a very small amount, typically between 0.2 and 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and while from the same species of plant as marijuana, it has varied widely in use.  However, due to the existence of THC in hemp, Schumer explained, both plants are considered “controlled substances” under the current federal law, meaning the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the current primary regulator for hemp production. Schumer said this narrow view has undermined the crop’s agricultural and economic potential and he vowed to work with his colleagues in both the Senate and the House to pass this groundbreaking legislation which is solely focused on investing in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity.

“Labeling hemp as a controlled substance is preventing industrial hemp from being a real game-changer for counties from Sullivan County to Louisville, KY,” Schumer said. “Which is exactly why I am proud to support this bill and bring hemp into the forefront as an agricultural commodity for producers here at The Center for Discovery, SUNY Sullivan and all over the Hudson Valley.  I will work in lockstep with Senators McConnell and Wyden to make sure this bill passes the Senate.”