Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill that will allow hemp farmers in the state to use water from federal reservoirs.
The measure, Senate Bill 117, asserts that Colorado hemp farmers be permitted to use federal reservoir water if they’re registered with the state to grow hemp, even though the crop remains illegal at the federal level, the Cortez Journal reported.
“Hemp is a very versatile product with a lot of uses, and it does not make sense why it’s illegal” federally, the governor said. “Having it grown and processed in the state could create a new niche market.”
The measure passed the Colorado Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, with just a single no vote.
