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A Resolution endorsing the legalization of regulated industrial hemp and requesting that the Ky. General Assembly consider adopting legislation which would allow for industrial hemp growth and production while addressing any public safety and law enforcement concerns; and hereby notifying Governor Steve Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker Greg Stumbo, and Fayette County's legislators of this Resolution. [Council Office, Maynard]
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WHEREAS, agricultural production is critically important for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Fayette County and its economy; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a long history of being a primary producer of industrial hemp; and
WHEREAS, agricultural diversity and the seeking of viable alternative crops and private investment in businesses and job creation to process and develop products using locally produced agricultural crops is also of importance; and
WHEREAS, there has been significant progress made regarding biofuels produced from agricultural crops; and
WHEREAS, industrial hemp can be used to produce products such as fuels, food, textiles, plastics, automobile parts, paper and paper products, fiber board, insulation, and animal bedding; and
WHEREAS, there are types of industrial hemp which contain a very low amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); and
WHEREAS, if appropriate licensing and regulations are established public safety and law enforcement concerns regarding legalizing the growth and production of industrial hemp should be minimized; and
WHEREAS, Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer, has publicly endorsed allowing Kentucky farmers to once again grow industrial hemp and to explore and develop markets using the seed, oils and fiber derived from industrial hemp; and
WHEREAS, this resolution in favor of the reintroduction of industrial hemp in Kentucky agriculture is in no way intended to deter law enforcement entities from keeping our communities safe from the ravages of illegal narcotics, prescription drug and other dangerous drug abuse.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That the Preamble to this Resolution be and hereby is incorporated by reference as if fully set out herein.
Section 2 - That the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government hereby endorses the legalization of regulated industrial hemp and requests that the Kentucky General Assembly consider adopting legislation which would allow for industrial hemp growth and production while addressing public safety and law enforcement concerns.
Section 3 - That the Clerk of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council be and hereby is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Steve Beshear, 700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; Senate President Robert Stivers, 702 Capitol Avenue Annex Room 236, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; Representative Greg Stumbo, House Speaker, Capitol, Room 309, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; and the following Fayette County legislators at their respective legislative offices: Senator Tom Buford, Senator Julian M. Carroll, Senator Alice Forgy Kerr, Senator Kathy W. Stein, Representative Sannie Overly, Representative Jesse Crenshaw, Representative Robert R. Damron, Representative Robert Benvenuti, III, Representative Kelly Flood, Representative Ryan Quarles, Representative Stan Lee, Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, Representative Carl Rollins II, and Representative Susan Westrom.
Section 4 - That this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL