Download our handy guide to getting local Industrial hemp resolutions passed here.

Update: February 3, 2013

NEW!

Important Update!
Are You Sitting Down?!

Feb 2, 2013
US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has done what many politicians have been unwilling to do: Change their minds for the better. In politics, even after careful consideration of new information, changing a publically-held position is viewed, usually by opposing parties, as a sign of weekness.

But, oh, how times ... they are a-changin'!

To update the situation: Last year, the senior Senator from Oregon, Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced S. B. 3501, the Senate companion bill to H.R. 1831, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011. Now most people know the prominent supporters of Industrial hemp in D. C., the old left diehards, the Barney Franks, for instance, and Republican Ron Paul (R-TX), both from the US House of Representatives [Frank left in 2012].

But this current announcement follows announcements by Wyden and several leaders on the state level, particularly in the former capitol of American Industrial Hemp production, Kentucky. To use McConnel's own words, taken from his press release (which can be found here):

"After long discussions with Senator Rand Paul and Commissioner James Comer on the economic benefits of industrialized hemp, I am convinced that allowing its production will be a positive development for Kentucky's farm families and economy. Commissioner Comer has assured me that his office is committed to pursuing industrialized hemp production in a way that does not compromise Kentucky law enforcement's marijuana eradication efforts or in any way promote illegal drug use. The utilization of hemp to produce everything from clothing to paper is real and if there is a capacity to center a new domestic industry in Kentucky that will create jobs in these difficult economic times that sounds like a good thing to me."

MIHEMP encourages all members and anyone with a passion for this issue to both call and write their
- County Commisioners (see MIHEMP's guide here)
- US Senators
- US Representatives
- State Senators
- State Representatives
- State Governors, and of course
- President Barack Obama
to voice your strong support for Industrial Hemp.

Don't know where to start? Find out who your elected officials are by going here!

Don't know what to say? Download our guide here, and view this site, take notes, and visit VoteHemp.org for all the latest information on this dynamic issue.

If you have any questions, contact VoteHemp.org, or MIHEMP's Director of Communication, Paul Pearson at 313.622.3429, or MIHEMP's Executive Director, Everett Swift at 989.884.1139.

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August 2, 2012,
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced S. 3501, the Senate companion bill to H.R. 1831, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.

Currently, federal regulations prohibit states, even if they have laws on the books allowing the growth of industrial hemp, from allowing farmers to use what he calls an "important crop".

"There is government regulation on the books today that prevents America's farmers from growing industrial hemp, and what's worse is this regulation is hurting job creation in rural America and incresing our trade deficit," Sen Wyden said on June 13, 2012, on the floor of the US Senate. Announcing his intent to introduce the bill, Sen Wyden posted a specific statement on his Website: "I'm confident that if grassroots support continues to grow and Members of Congress continue to hear from voters then common sense hemp legislation can move through Congress in the near future."

MIHEMP encourages all members and anyone with a passion for this issue to utilize the links below to contact your US Senator to encourage them to support The Senate Industrial Hemp Farming Act, HR 1831. In addition, contact your US Representatives to ask them for their support when this passes the Senate and comes across their desk.

And be sure to thank Sen Wyden and other supporters for their cosponsorship and support for this legislation.

Links

Library of Congress page for HR 1831
LOC page for the text of HR 1831.
LOC page for the text of HR 1831 in PDF format
VoteHemp.com, America's largest pro-hemp organization
VoteSmart.org, to find out who your elected officials are!
Sen Wyden's statement on his Website
Sen Wyden's speech on the floor of the US Senate, posted to YouTube

Important Contacts

Contact US Senator Debbie Stabenow
Contact US Senator Carl Levin
Contact Sen Stabenow's Press Release on her "Grow it Here, Make it Here" Initiative

If you have any questions, contact VoteHemp.org, or MIHEMPs Director of Communication, Paul Pearson at 281.826.4550, or MIHEMPs Executive Director, Everett Swift at 989.884.1139.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 17, 2011 - Detroit, MI-The Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project (MIHEMP), led by Executive Director Everett Swift announced today that they will start a fund raising campaign in order to raise money to apply for a permit from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to grow industrial hemp. "It will take a lot of money," says Swift, "the permit fee is $3,000 and we will need additional funds for the project." Swift goes on to say, "Any Michigan farmer wanting to grow this crop is burdened with a hefty fee and our goal is to help this needed industry to get underway. more

6/16/2011
The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments has approved a resolution that prods lawmakers to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp.
The resolution passed by an eleven to one vote.
A pdf of the signed resolution is available here.

6/14/2011
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution that prods lawmakers to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp.
The resolution brought forth by Everett Swift, the executive director of the Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project (MIHEMP) passed on a five to one zero vote.
A pdf of the signed resolution is available here.

05/25/2011
The Montmorency County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution that prods lawmakers to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp.
The resolution brought forth by Everett Swift, the executive director of the Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project (MIHEMP) passed on a four to one vote.
A pdf of the signed resolution is available here.

04/28/2011
The Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution that prods lawmakers to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp.
The resolution brought forth by Everett Swift, the executive director of the Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project (MIHEMP) passed on a five to nothing vote.
A pdf of the signed resolution is available here

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Michigan Hemp Home

Other pages in this category:

About MIHEMP | Join MIHEMP | Free EMail Signup

 

The Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project has the stated goal of "Working to expand hemp as a natural resource for industrial and private enterprise."

Our mission is to educate the public and state government officials about Industrial Hemp and try to clear up the myths and teach the facts through meetings and seminars and setting up booths at public events.
We also will be working to connect consumers and vendors of hemp products in Michigan and in the United States.

We are a non profit organization and will fund it through membership dues, fund raising events, and donations. If you are interested in helping out or becoming a member please do not hesitate to contact us.

Membership dues are $10.00 year for basic membership and $15.00 a year for enhanced more...

April 28, 2011

County Industrial Hemp Resolution Adopted in Michigan

Presque Isle County Michigan Board of Commissioners vote unanimously adopt a resolution that seeks to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp.
On April 28th 2011 the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners voted five to nothing to adopt a resolution that seeks to ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp..... more

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