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ALABANY, ORE.: Growing hemp in Oregon faces challenges

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published August 10, 2009

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Despite approval from lawmakers this past session, growing hemp industrially in Oregon may not be a reality.

The Albany Democrat-Herald reported that Oregon’s climate may not be suitable to grow hemp, a crop that was outlawed in the 1930s along with its relative, marijuana. Oregon is one of a handful of states to give farmers the option of growing it.

The law passed by legislators will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010.

Daryl Ehrensing of the Oregon State University’s Crop and Soil Science Department said no commercial grower in the Pacific Northwest will be able to grow hemp at a large scale.

Ehrensing says he’s fielded calls from companies interested in experimenting with growing hemp.

Hemp remains outlawed by the federal government.

The Associated Press