Legislature OKs authorization for growing industrial hemp

OLYMPIA – The Legislature has passed a bill that would allow licensed growers to produce industrial hemp in Washington as part of a research program.

Senate Bill 6206 cleared the House on a unanimous vote Tuesday after passing the Senate last month. It now heads to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee.

The measure would allow Washington State University to study if widespread hemp production in the state is feasible and if there’s a market for it. The university would report findings to the Legislature in January of 2017. Industrial hemp can be made into a number of products such as biofuel and clothing.

The state Department of Agriculture would supervise the program and license growers, among other duties.