Industrial Hemp Bill Introduced At South Dakota Capitol

PIERRE, S.D. (AP)

South Dakota lawmakers are set to debate a perennial proposal to allow the cultivation of industrial hemp in the state.

The bill introduced Thursday would allow people to apply to the state Department of Agriculture for a license to grow industrial hemp if they pass background checks.

The bill restricts the allowable content of THC - a main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana - for industrial hemp.

Supporters say hemp would be a useful product for South Dakota's agriculture industry.

Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard has opposed such measures. Industrial hemp proposals have failed in at least the past two legislative sessions.