Minnesota Independent

Bipartisan bill aims to aid economy with hemp production

By Andy Birkey | 03.02.11 | 9:03 am

A bipartisan slate of 30 legislators — from liberal Minneapolis Rep. Phyllis Kahn to conservative Rep. Mark Buesgens of Jordan — are proposing legislation to allow Minnesota farmers to grow industrial hemp. The Industrial Hemp Development Act would legalize hemp plants while maintaining strong restrictions on marijuana possession. The bill even includes the collection of fees from farmers as revenue to run the program; during time of budget deficits, it won’t cost the state anything.

Seifert only governor candidate with own State Fair booth

By Chris Steller | 08.07.09 | 12:39 pm

Of nearly 40 announced or possible candidates for governor in 2010, only one will have his own booth at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair. In fact, not counting Minnesota’s sitting U.S. senators, Republican state Rep. Marty…

Industrial hemp still alive in Legislature

By Andy Birkey | 03.26.09 | 5:53 pm

State Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, passed out chocolate truffles topped with industrial hemp seeds at the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday. The nutritious seeds are legal to buy in Minnesota as food, but once they sprout, they are considered marijuana and subject to harsh legal penalties. A bill Kahn sponsored that would allow for the agricultural production of hemp passed the committee on Wednesday.

Hemp, hemp, hooray: Bill aims to aid farmers with new but controversial crop

By Andy Birkey | 03.04.09 | 10:51 am

A bipartisan group of legislators is hoping hemp production will be a boon to Minnesota farmers and manufacturers as demand for the plant and its byproducts continues to grow. The Industrial Hemp Development Act (HF 608) would allow the state to issue licenses to qualified farmers who pass background checks.