SENATE MEMORIAL 30

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Cisco McSorley

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF STATE INCENTIVES FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP.

     WHEREAS, hemp is an ancient source of material for fiber and other commercial products; and

     WHEREAS, hemp requires less water than conventional crops; and

     WHEREAS, agriculture is a critical component of New Mexico's economy; and

     WHEREAS, the world market for products derived from industrial hemp is a potential opportunity for New Mexico agricultural producers to diversify and augment the state's agricultural economy; and

     WHEREAS, economic conditions require innovation and experimentation with alternative crops and value-added technologies; and

     WHEREAS, legal, technical and financial obstacles must be overcome if industrial hemp is to become a viable commercial crop in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico department of agriculture be requested to investigate the feasibility of state incentives for the commercialization of industrial hemp in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico department of agriculture report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by December 1, 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that congress be requested to acknowledge the difference between marijuana and industrial hemp and to clearly legalize the commercial production of industrial hemp; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the New Mexico department of agriculture and to the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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