Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has officially signed into law a proposal (House Bill 5476) to allow the state to study the feasibility of legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp.
Connecticut’s flag.
Under the new law, the Commissioners of Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development will be tasked with studying the feasibility of legalizing industrial hemp for “the purpose of encouraging economic development and increasing the number of new businesses in this state.” The state has until January 1st to establish a limit on the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) allowed in industrial hemp.
Although the proposal clearly doesn’t go far enough, it’s still a step in the right direction and it’s a good sign that lawmakers in the state are, at the very least, willing to study and discuss the issue.
With the governor’s signature House Bill 5476 becomes Public Act 14-191. It will take effect on July 1st.
– TheJointBlog