1996 | Woody Harrelson arrested for planting hemp seeds in Kentucky

From the Kentucky Fiber Hemp Conference in Lexington on May 31st, the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative (KHGCA) members and Woody Harrelson drove to Beattyville, Kentucky. On June 1, Harrelson planted four hemp seeds in front of national media in an effort to shine light on unjustified prohibition.

Joe Hickey, Executive Director of the KHGCA, had the honor of calling the sheriff (who had been told to expect one) and shortly after Woody, in his hemp shirt, hemp pants and 100% Kentucky Hemp cap, was arrested.

He was released that same day after posting bond. He told media, " I planted industrial hemp and got arrested because someone must lightlight this difference, and in order to truly know the law one must test the law. I think it is time for all of us to make a stand."

Click the links below to learn more about the Harrelson and Cockrel trials:

1996 | Woody Harrelson speaks at Simpsonville Elementary

1996 | Woody Harrelson arrested for planting hemp in Kentucky

1996 | Donna Cockrel investigated after Woody Harrelson hemp presentation

1996 | Kentucky Hemp Museum & Library launches mobile exhibit

1996 | Woody Harrelson launches hemp essay contest

1996 | School trys to revoke Donna Cockrel's teaching certificate

1996 | Woody Harrelson defends Donna Cockrel

1996 | Woody Harrelson announces hemp essay winners

1996 | Charges dismissed against Woody Harrelson for Kentucky hemp planting

1997 | Kentucky Hemp Museum takes Harrelson, Cockrel and essay winner to movie premiere

1997 | Parents protest against Woody Harrelson's scheduled second visit

1997 | Court finds statute "overbroad" after Harrelson charges are dismissed

1997 | Woody Harrelson makes second visit to Simpsonville Elementary

1997 | Parents want Donna Cockrel fired after second Woody Harrelson hemp presentation

1997 | School Evaluation Claims Donna Cockrel Fails to Meet Performance Requirements

1997 | Kentucky General Assembly Hears Testimony On Hemp

1997 | Donna Cockrel is fired from Simpsonville Elementary

1997 | Woody Harrelson issues statement regarding Donna Cockrel's termination

1998 | Cockrel files suit against Shelby County schools

1998 | Farmers sue to overturn ban on hemp

2000 | Kentucky Supreme Court rules no distinction between hemp and marijuana

2000 | Woody Harrelson acquitted of hemp charges

2001 | Court reverses decision in Donna Cockrel vs. Shelby County schools

2003 | Donna Cockrel receives $70,000 settlement

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Sources

Isaacs, B. (1997, January 10). HARRELSON: HEMP'S CAPPED CRUSADER. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://www.oocities.org/hollywood/boulevard/2200/articles/lfpremiere.html

Robinson, R. (1997). 23: The People vs. Woody Harrelson. In The hemp manifesto: 101 Ways That Hemp Can Save Our World. Rochester, Vt.: Park Street Press.

Image Source: Woody meets the press after a pre-trial hearing (hightimes.com).