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Lawmaker says legalizing hemp would be good for Idaho farmers

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level. This bill would align Idaho law with federal law.

BOISE, Idaho — A bill that would legalize the production and processing of hemp in Idaho, passed the House overwhelmingly on Monday.

If approved, the measure would align Idaho law with the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp that contains less than .3 percent THC.

The sponsor of Idaho's measure, Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy (R-Genesee), says her bill would solve current issues with interstate commerce and would be a boon for Idaho farmers.

RELATED: Is it pot or hemp? Idaho State Police could acquire equipment to tell the difference

"I have heard stories where farmers are paying up to $1 to $2 per seed to grow hemp," Troy said. "So we know how to do that, we are really good at it. So an opportunity for our farmers to produce seeds for other farmers to grow hemp might be the perfect niche for Idaho to hit."

Troy added that she believes there is an opportunity to process hemp at the paper plant in Lewiston.

The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee sometime this week.

RELATED: Idaho Sheriff's Association expresses opposition to hemp bill

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