The Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee considered two pieces of legislation Thursday that would involve Washington State University in studying the viability of industrial hemp production.
Senate Bill 5954 and Senate Bill 6214 both authorize WSU to study industrial hemp production, though just SB 5954 would direct the university to actually grow hemp for research. WSU is enthusiastic to help Washington better understand the viability of hemp production, though the university would comply with federal regulation which currently does not allow the growth of hemp, so as to not conflict with federal funding opportunities.
The most recent version of the Farm Bill working its way through Congress would allow universities to grow hemp for research purposes. WSU will be tracking the progress of the Farm Bill as it will inform potential opportunities for the university.
You can view WSU’s full testimony to the committee below.