Douglas to allow hemp bill to become law without signing it
MONTPELIER, Vt.—Gov. Jim Douglas will allow a bill that would remove the state law barring the raising of industrial hemp to become law without his signature.
Douglas spokesman Jason Gibbs says the governor regards the bill as "a do-nothing bill" and insignificant, because federal law will continue to prohibit the cultivation of hemp.
Hemp is of the same species as marijuana, but comes from a different part of the plant and the plants are cultivated differently.
Law enforcement officials had objected to the bill, while backers praised hemp as the source of a food additive, an oil used in beauty products, and fiber used in textiles, building materials and fuel.
The governor can allow a bill to become law by forwarding it to the secretary of state without his signature.
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Information from: The Times Argus, http://www.timesargus.com/
