An article in today’s Post Register reported that a Magic Valley farmer, Tim Cornie, had recently returned from a trip to Canada to learn about hemp production from Canadian farmers and researchers. Tim and his cousin, Kurt Mason own a farm and a new food company, Springs Mill, that specializes in organic and non-genetically modified food.
TOM WANTS TO GROW HEMP
Talking about his recent visit to Canada he said, “I came back thinking hemp was a very viable thing for Idaho.” He and his cousin want to grow hemp for the seeds to sell as food. He said the Magic Valley needs another crop.
HEMP HAS MANY USES
As we have mentioned before in this blog, hemp has many uses and benefits. It can be used for food, as the seeds are rich in important unsaturated fats, full of fiber and protein-dense; it has uses in wood products, for paper, clothes, fuel, and medicine, to name a few.
HEMP AND MARIJUANA CANNOT OCCUPY THE SAME FIELD
The article explained how hemp and marijuana are not compatible and if they are grown in the same field, they will render each plant an unusable hybrid. Many Idaho legislators are misinformed about this and think that there is a danger of people hiding marijuana in hemp fields. They could do that, but the marijuana would be then be unusable.
SOME LEGISLATORS HAVE INTRODUCED BILLS TO MAKE HEMP LEGAL TO GROW
Rep. Dorothy Moon has presented legislation to legalize hemp production. She said she thinks people are getting tired of missing the financial opportunities. Sen. Jim Patrick said he expects the Legislature to pass hemp legislation this session.
IDAHO NEEDS TO CATCH UP WITH THE REST OF THE NATION
It is time for Idaho to allow hemp production and to give Idaho farmers another crop and to compete with the rest of the nation.