LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Efforts to allow hemp production appear to be growing in Kentucky despite the defeat of another legalization effort this year in the state's General Assembly.
State Sen. Joey Pendleton has repeatedly introduced hemp legalization bills in an effort to restore a crop that decades ago was a major industry in Kentucky. The tall, leafy plant was outlawed because of its similarity to marijuana, but supporters argue it's nearly impossible to get high by smoking hemp.
Hemp can be used to make paper, biofuels, clothing, lotions and other products.
Little by little, Pendleton has gained supporters, and backers of hemp legalization now include many farmers, some legislators and state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.
They promise to seek legalization again next year.
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