A bill to update Michigan’s hemp laws, introduced by State Senator Dan Lauwers of Brockway Township, has been approved by the Senate. The bill was crafted by Lauwers, a Republican who represents the 25th District, to amend the Michigan Hemp Growers Act to comply with the updated USDA final rule.
Senate Bill 186 allows Michigan’s hemp industry to continue to grow. Hemp is used in fabrics, textiles, yarns, paper, and home furnishings, among other uses. CBD oil is derived from industrial hemp plants.
The bill has many technical aspects pertaining to the regulation of hemp growers. Growers need to be registered with the United States Department of Agriculture and have to maintain acceptable levels of THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Hemp farming has the potential to be a lucrative crop in Michigan and can contribute to the economy, but not without Michigan’s regulations being in line with the federal government.
Lauwers said, “Updating state law to continue to produce hemp products will give the Michigan agricultural industry a great advantage.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
