Schwank looks forward to future of hemp industry in Pennsylvania

Legislation recently signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf legalizing the growing of industrial hemp in Pennsylvania represents a significant step forward for the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said on July 22.

“Pennsylvania will now be on the same playing field as other states that have passed hemp legislation,” Schwank said. “Bringing this multi-million dollar industry back to Pennsylvania will provide new opportunities for farmers and give Pennsylvania the chance to open new doors for generations of farmers to come.”

Schwank spearheaded the legislation in the Senate and was a tireless advocate for the reestablishment of the industrial hemp industry. Her legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate, while companion legislation - introduced in the House - made its way through the General Assembly and onto the governor’s desk earlier this week.

Act 92 allows for the growing, cultivation and marketing of market industrial hemp within the state and permits growing industrial hemp for research purposes by agencies, colleges and universities. The new law also establishes the Hemp Research Board and charges it with developing regulations, applications for registration, inspections, a database of registered persons, registration fees, guidelines for labeling and testing.

Schwank said there are many ways to use industrial hemp including its application in textiles, building materials, industrial and environmental products, food and paper.