The State House of Representative is largely in favor of industrial hemp as an agricultural crop.
The South Dakota House passed a resolution by a vote of 62 to 6 urging the federal government to recognize hemp as a viable crop.
Hemp has long been seen by the DEA and other federal agencies as marijuana. The two plants are related but hemp is said to lack the chemicals that allow someone to get high. Republican State Representative Elizabeth May argued in favor of a resolution to open the door for production of hemp. She says the new farm bill already allows some states to grow hemp in pilot programs.
“I find it exciting for the overall economy and legitimacy of hemp. Hemp’s return it will clear the way for US farmers and more important South Dakota Farmers to compete in an industry currently dominated by China,” says May.
In the late 1990's, the Oglala Sioux Tribe legalized Industrial Hemp on the Pine Ridge reservation. But when tribal resident Alex White Plume tried to grow it, the crop was confiscated by the DEA and White Plume spent years sparring with the federal government. The resolution is non-binding. It only expresses the will of the legislature. The measure heads next to the State Senate after clearing the House by an overwhelming majority.