Conway: Growing Hemp Would Violate Federal Law

Attorney General Jack Conway is advising Kentucky leaders that industrial hemp farming remains illegal in Kentucky.

Conway issued an advisory letter on Wednesday to Gov. Steve Beshear, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer and others to clarify current law related to hemp. The letter deflates hopes of hemp farming proponents who have said they'd like to begin planting next year.

Kentucky lawmakers have passed legislation that would allow farmers to grow the crop if the federal government ever lifts a longstanding ban. Conway said that ban remains firmly in place.

Hemp once thrived in Kentucky but hasn't been produced here since the federal government classified it as a controlled substance decades ago.     

Comer insists the crop could be an economic boon for Kentucky.