Dear Reader,

By a vote of 59-2, New Mexico has joined Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia, becoming the 15th state to pass a resolution or law laying the groundwork for commercial hemp farming. Read the press release.

Here's a brief update on what's happening in other states:

Keeping up the state's reputation as the strongest advocate for industrial hemp farming, the North Dakota legislature has produced five industrial hemp bills this session, two of which were already signed by the governor last week. Meanwhile, Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson continues to press the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to either waive their registration requirements for North Dakota's state-licensed hemp farmers or grant the farmers federal licenses in time for spring planting. Read Commissioner Johnson's letter to the DEA.

Last week, Vote Hemp National Outreach Coordinator Tom Murphy testified before the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee in favor of hemp farming bill HB 424. Read Mr. Murphy's testimony.

AB 684, a bill that would let farmers grow industrial hemp without state or federal licenses, was introduced on February 21, 2007, in California.

HB 1535, a bill to legalize and regulate the production of industrial hemp, was introduced on January 24, 2007, in Hawaii. It has been referred to the Agriculture, Judiciary and Finance Committees.

H 3305, a bill that would create a committee to study the beneficial uses of industrial hemp, was introduced on January 17, 2007, in South Carolina.

AB 146, a bill that would create a committee to study the uses of industrial hemp, was introduced last week in Wisconsin by Representatives Hahn, Williams, Boyle, Albers, Ballweg, Berceau, Bies, Gronemus, Gunderson, Molepske, Mursau, Owens, Pocan, Townsend and Wood, and cosponsored by Senator Schultz. It has been referred to the Committee on Rural Economic Development.

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Thanks again for your ongoing support, and please remember to forward this email to a friend.

Sincerely,

Eric Steenstra
President
Vote Hemp