A Senate bill that would allow farmers in the state to grow industrial hemp for research only has sailed through its first New Mexico House panel.
The Agriculture, Water and Wildlife Committee Wednesday unanimously approved and moved Albuquerque Democrat Sen. Cisco McSorley's proposed legislation to the Judiciary Committee.
McSorley's proposal would allow the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to set up regulations and fees for the processing of hemp for research and development, not for sale.
Hemp has a negligible content of THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high. Many products made from hemp, such as oils and clothing, are legal.
The federal government currently allows growing hemp for research. A bill pending in Congress, if passed, would approve cultivation for commercial production as well.
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