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Oregon Could Establish a ‘Hemp Commission’

Hemp plants being grown at the Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, Oregon.
Oregon State University
Hemp plants being grown at the Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, Oregon.

Oregon could soon have a commission that would promote industrial hemp and fund research into the crop.

Hemp plants being grown at the Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, Oregon.
Credit Oregon State University
Hemp plants being grown at the Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, Oregon.

The Oregon House voted Friday to approve House Bill 4051, which would create the Oregon Hemp Commission. The panel would be funded by an assessment on hemp producers.

Rep. Susan McLain, D-Forest Grove, said the measure would provide a boost for a significant Oregon crop.

“There’s really lots of research that needs to be done, and this commission is going to allow us to look at the best farm practices, co-existence, and also provides funding,” she said.

The measure passed by a wide margin and now heads to the Oregon Senate. Oregon has more than 20 similar commissions, covering commodities such as blueberries, wheat, and dairy products. 

Copyright 2020 KLCC

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Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December, 2018. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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