Oregon could soon have a commission that would promote industrial hemp and fund research into the crop.
The Oregon House voted Friday to approve House Bill 4051, which would create the Oregon Hemp Commission. The panel would be funded by an assessment on hemp producers.
Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove, said the measure would provide a boost for a significant Oregon crop.
“There’s really lots of research that needs to be done, and this commission is going to allow us to look at the best farm practices, co-existence, and also provides funding,” she said.
The measure passed by a wide margin and now heads to the Oregon Senate. Oregon has more than 20 similar commissions, covering commodities such as blueberries, wheat, and dairy products.
