SACRAMENTO, May 30. Just in time for Hemp History Week, the California Senate approved Mark Leno’s industrial hemp bill, SB 566, on a 39-0 vote. The bill establishes provisions for the growing of industrial hemp. It would not take effect until authorized by federal law, a strategic condition designed to prevent objections from Gov. Brown, who vetoed a hemp bill last year on the grounds that it conflicted with federal law. This is the first time that the CA senate has passed a cannabis-related bill unanimously. SB 566 now proceeds to the Assembly, where it is being co-sponsored by Republican Allan Mansoor (Costa Mesa).
– D. Gieringer