HANSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Hemp and regulations took center stage in Hanson on Thursday. Sen. Rand Paul listened to the problems and concerns of those working with the plant.
A room was filled wall-to-wall with people asking for help from Sen. Paul when it comes to growing hemp.
“I think it would be a lot more profitable, especially if we can do it without so much labor,” said hemp farmer Donald Bowels.
Sen. Paul asked questions of the farmers and told them he’s pushed for legalization of hemp from the beginning.
“I think the use of tobacco has gone down and continues to go down. Less people are smoking and using tobacco,” said Sen. Paul.
Farmers like Donald Bowels agree with Sen. Paul.
Bowels’ family was one of many who grew hemp during World War II for the Navy.
He picked it back up two years ago, and even helped host Thursday’s meeting.
Regulations on pesticides and herbicides are one of the biggest problems the hemp farmers said they are facing.
Right now, harvested hemp is mainly going to make CBD oil, but there’s talk of more ways it could be used.
“Someone mentioned that Porsche is doing some interior of the car and Corvette is talking about it. Once that happens, we’re talking about an enormous benefit for Kentucky for economic growth,” said Sen. Paul.
Sen. Paul also made a trip to the Henderson Rotary Leadership Luncheon on Thursday.
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(This story was originally published on October 3, 2019)
