California Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed SB 676, a bill that would have established “guidelines for farming the oilseed and fiber varieties of the plant, which are used in a myriad of everyday consumer products, including food, body care, clothing, paper, auto parts, composites and building materials,” according to a press release from Vote Hemp and the Hemp Industries Association.

The HIA expressed extreme disappointment at the veto, which Governor Brown laid at the doorstep of the federal government.

Although I am not signing this measure, I do support a change in federal law. Products made from hemp – clothes, food, and bath products – are legally sold in California every day. It is absurd that hemp is being imported into the state, but our farmers cannot grow it.

Since federal law clearly states that growing hemp for any reason is illegal since the government sees no difference between marijuana and hemp, Governor Brown couldn’t bring himself to sign it.

I would imagine recent federal attention directed toward his state had something to do with the Governor’s decision as well. California has been put on notice that the feds are watching, and plan on taking action. Any hemp farms started could easily be shut down by the DEA, and Governor Brown would have no recourse.

If Jerry Brown has any pull with President Obama, now might be the time to use it.

- Joe Klare

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