For immediate release: Thursday, March 22, 2001 Kentucky Hemp Bill Signed Into Law VoteHemp The Kentucky state legislature passed a bill establishing an Industrial Hemp Commission (IHC) and today the bill was signed into law by Gov. Patton. The IHC will consist of 17 members including representatives of the governor, the state legislature, state universities, law enforcement and the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association. The bill also authorizes an industrial hemp research program to be conducted at one or more selected Kentucky state universities. HB 100 was passed by the Kentucky House on February 14th by a vote of 66 - 32. On March 8th the bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 68 -28. HB 100 was signed into law by Kentucky governor Paul E. Patton on Thursday March 22nd. The full text of the bill can be viewed at: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/01rs/HB100.htm The consideration and passage of this bill was the result of a major effort by the Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative, former Gov. Louie B. Nunn and many other dedicated hemp supporters. We congratulate them for their efforts and perseverance. Gov. Ryan of Ilinois recently vetoed a hemp study bill after intense pressure and misinformation from anti-drug groups. Please write Gov. Patton to let him know you support his common sense action. You can easily send our pre-written and addressed letter to Gov. Patton by visiting the Vote Hemp Action Alert page at: http://www.capwiz.com/votehemp/