Gov. Ned Lamont has signed legislation that could lead to the production of industrial hemp in Connecticut.
The Democrat says the new law will provide the state's farmers with an opportunity to "bolster their profits with hemp." He says it will also attract veteran and first-time farmers to a new and growing market. The legislation passed both the House of Representatives and Senate by unanimous votes.
Under the new law, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture is required to establish a pilot program for growing or cultivating industrial hemp. The federal government recently allowed states to grow, use or sell the product, which proponents say has thousands of uses.
Connecticut's regulations will ultimately need federal approval.
The new law also establishes licensing requirements and qualifications for hemp growers, processors, and manufacturers.
