Most poll respondents think industrial hemp farming should be legalized
The Record’s online poll from April 24 - May 3 asked readers whether they think allowing farmers in the state to legally grow industrial hemp would be beneficial.
The Texas House gave broad preliminary approval recently to a bill that would allow farmers in the state to legally grow industrial hemp.
Hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, but it contains low levels of the psychoactive element in marijuana known as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. House Bill 1325 from state Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville) would legalize hemp and hemp-derived extracts like CBD oil as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Hemp-based products that contain no THC — like clothing, twine and even protein powder, and moisturizers — are legal in the state, but the plant cannot be legally grown in Texas and businesses often have to source it from other states.
King’s bill would also remove hemp from the state’s controlled substance list — where it’s still listed as a criminal substance — and set up a farming program outlining guidelines for cultivating the plant.
The poll asking, “Do you think allowing farmers in the state to legally grow industrial hemp would be beneficial?” received a total of 108 votes, with the majority of votes — 78 percent or 84 votes — going to option “Yes, it will benefit Texas farmers with a drought-tolerant cash crop.” Twenty-two percent of voters chose, “No, hemp should remain on the state’s controlled substance list.”
A large majority of poll voters think allowing farmers in the state to legally grow industrial hemp would be beneficial because it would supply Texas farmers with a drought-tolerant cash crop. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.
SMDR’s new poll is available online now and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think a state bill ending the time change would be beneficial. It can be voted on now.
