In August 2012, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer announced the revival of The Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission after a ten years hiatus, with the goal of making Kentucky the first state to commercialize industrial hemp.
The commission was originally established by the General Assembly with the passing of HB 100 in 2001 to look into hemp’s potential in the commonwealth, but it had never met.
Comer announced that he was reforming the commission on August 23, 2012 and, per state law, was deemed the chairman. He teamed up with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to help pass the laws, on a state and federal level, that allowed for the widespread growth of industrial hemp.
On November 12, 2012, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul's staff and members of the revived Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission, led by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, met with Representatives from top-selling natural soap brand Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and advocacy group, Vote Hemp, for a special meeting of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission. The initiative was financed by a $50,000 contribution from Sen. Paul's political action committee, and a matching donation of $50,000 from Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps.
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Sources
http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44389293.html
http://wfpl.org/long-dormant-kentucky-hemp-commission-will-be-revived/
http://www.votehemp.com/PR/2012-11-14-Kentucky_Industrial_Hemp_Commission.html
Image Sources: www.kyagr.com
http://www.wdrb.com/story/20098537/push-to-grow-hemp-in-kentucky