Illinois Bill Will Let Universities Grow Industrial Hemp

A bill passed in the Illinois House of Representatives this week that would allow state universities to grow industrial hemp. House Bill 5085 passed with a vote of 70-28 in favor of the bill in hopes that it will help to gain insight into the potential benefits of hemp.

According to Congressional Resource Center, the United States is the only developed nation in the world who still refuses to cultivate hemp as an economic crop. The benefits of hemp are truly endless. Farmers from all over the globe grow industrial hemp and then use its fibers and oils to produce many consumer goods such as food, clothing, and beauty supplies.

Considering hemp typically contains only trace amounts of THC (less than one percent), it comes as no surprise that congress approved an amendment that would allow for states who have reclassified hemp as having agricultural properties to cultivate the plant without fear of interference from the federal government.

Illinois, which is already one of the largest states in the country in regards to farming and farm real estate, hopes that hemp will soon be a productive and viable crop for farmers all across the state.