Industrial hemp production, research program bill passes Arkansas House
THV11 Digital , KTHV 3:40 PM. CDT March 21, 2017
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A proposed bill that looks to develop industrial hemp production in Arkansas has passed the state's House of Representatives.
House Bill 1778, proposed by state Representative David Hillman (R-Almyra), states that its intent is to move the state forward into the industry of hemp production and commercialization of hemp products in agribusiness and alternative fuel production.
The bill would allow the use of hemp to create cloth, food, paint, paper, plastics, and seed oils.
If passed, the bill would create a 10-year research program for industrial hemp production. The research program would look at growing, testing, and protocols needed for hemp production.
The House voted for the bill by a wide margin. 79 representatives voted for the "Arkansas Industrial Hemp Act" while only one voted against it.