Oregon farmers know that our state’s prohibition of marijuana has unintended consequences that many people don’t know about. One example: our senseless approach that prohibits the growth of hemp as an agricultural crop.
You can legally buy hemp cereal at the grocery store in Oregon. But as farmers, we can’t grow it. Why? Hemp is considered off limits due to its relationship to marijuana plants.
But hemp is not a drug. Smoking it will not get you high. It will only get you sick.
Instead, hemp is a fibrous plant with many, many household uses. When processed, hemp can be used as fuel, wax, rope, resin, cloth, paper, pulp and food.
Canadians make half a billion dollars a year in the hemp market, and about 90% of the hemp they grow is exported to the United States. Oregonians shouldn’t be forced to buy hemp from overseas, when Oregon farmers could be growing this sustainable, environmentally-friendly cash crop right here.
Hemp is well-matched for Oregon’s climate and soil. It can be grown on flatland or on slopes, requires only a reasonable level of irrigation, and is resilient against pests.
We can change our approach to hemp, by passing Measure 91.
Measure 91 includes language that removes barriers for qualified farmers to apply for hemp production licenses under state law.
There is an entire hemp industry sitting on the sidelines waiting for voters to pass this law. In addition to being a golden opportunity for Oregon farmers, the processing and manufacturing of raw hemp will create jobs across the state.
I’ve spent my career in the nursery industry and have spoken with many farmers about the issue of hemp prohibition. They all agree – farmers need the option to grow industrial hemp in Oregon.
Please join me in voting YES on Measure 91
Ryan Basile – Silverton, OR