McConnell Comments on DEA Hemp Permit Approval
May 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following comments following the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) approval of Kentucky’s permit allowing for release of industrial hemp seeds and delivery to Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer:
“I am pleased the DEA has approved Kentucky’s permit and the seeds are expected to be in the hands of Commissioner Comer soon. As I stressed yesterday in my meeting with the DEA Administrator, it was the intent of my provision in the Farm Bill to allow states’ departments of agriculture and universities to explore the commercial use of industrial hemp as a means for job creation and economic development. I’m hoping this is the final hurdle and Kentucky will soon be able to plant the seeds in the ground and begin our lawful pilot programs in exploring the potential for job creation in our Commonwealth.”