Idaho Hemp Resolution Falters in Committee with 5-5 Tie Vote

Idaho- A resolution supporting industrial agricultural hemp production failed in the House Agricultural Affairs committee on February 17th, despite claims from the bill’s sponsors that hemp production could lead to an increase in jobs and tax revenue for the state.Republican representative Tom Trail, who helped sponsor the bill says that the multi-million dollar industry could bring much needed support to Idaho Farmers.

Rep. Dennis Lake, a Republican from Blackfoot Idaho objected to the proposal, saying that the legalization could add an unneeded burden on law enforcement officers. Lake expressed his concern that officers could struggle in differentiating between legal hemp fields and illegal marijuana operations. Trail responded during testimony that during his research on the issue, he had met with law enforcement officials from Canada where Hemp is legal and they informed him that no marijuana growers are “stupid enough” to plant cannabis near hemp fields. Planting the two products near each other results in the THC content of cannabis being lowered due seed production from cross-pollination, thereby reducing quality of the marijuana. Trail added that Canadian officials said they encourage hemp production near urban areas to help combat illegal pot grow operations in cities.

Co-sponsor of the agricultural bill, Rep. Brian Cronin of Boise told lawmakers that Idaho is missing out on job opportunities and tax revenue. He argued that hemp legalization proponents have done a terrible job of educating the general public and lawmakers of the realities of hemp. He said we spend hundreds of millions buying hemp from Canada, and not a day goes by that we don’t use hemp products. Following testimony, Representative Lake proposed the committee kill the resolution, but the committee failed to do so on a 5-5 tie vote. Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding, asked the panel to introduce the plan and send it to the full House for further consideration. Pence’s request also failed on a 5-5 tie vote. A tie vote in committee means the resolution cannot proceed this year, but might be introduced next year.