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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

U.S. Customs is expected to release confiscated hemp seeds in Kentucky today

UPDATE, May 27: Seeds were planted on a University of Kentucky farm today.
Lexington-Herald Leader/Bill Estep
Following a two-week battle between state officials and federal agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Louisville is expected today to release 250 pounds of confiscated hemp seeds, after the Drug Enforcement Administration approved an import permit, Bruce Schreiner reports for The Associated Press. The DEA had said growing hemp may be legal, but importing hemp seeds is not, necessarily.

The move comes one day after the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission "approved regulations setting guidelines for research projects that are meant to reintroduce the crops," Schreiner writes. "Eight pilot projects are planned in Kentucky, with six universities helping with research. One issue that was still unresolved last week was whether private farmers could participate in the projects."

State Agriculture Department chief of staff Holly Harris VonLuehrte, who said total state production of hemp is expected to be less than 20 acres, said farmers would be required "to sign documents stating they would adhere to regulations overseeing the hemp project," Schreiner writes.

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