Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following comment regarding Senate passage of his hemp provision, which is included in the Farm Bill conference report:

“This is a huge victory for Kentucky agriculture and our economy. The measure I included in the Farm Bill conference report will give Commissioner James Comer the go ahead to cultivate hemp for pilot programs. I have heard from many Kentuckians who see this as a first step to establishing a market for industrial hemp in Kentucky. By exploring innovative ways to use hemp to benefit a variety of Kentucky industries, yet consistent with my long-standing support for Kentucky law enforcement’s aggressive efforts at marijuana interdiction, the pilot programs authorized by this legislation could help boost our state’s economy and lead to future jobs."