Help is needed from Advocates and Supporters of NC Industrial Hemp Farming, and the North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association (NCIHA) Board of Directors and its Volunteers issued a plea asking for the public’s help.
The North Carolina Industrial Hemp Commission (NCIHC), part of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, oversees the new industrial hemp industry in the state. On their NCIHC official commission conference call held yesterday, April 17, 2017, at 2:30pm, after discussions regarding the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hold-up (stoppage of shipments) of industrial hemp seed bound for NC farms, the NCIHC went into Executive Session. Upon completion of the Executive Session the NCIHC voted unanimously to request that the Attorney General of North Carolina sue the DEA.
What do NC farmers preparing for industrial hemp growing need from their Advocates and Supporters? The voice of the people! NC residents are encouraged to make their voices heard by calling the NC Attorney General’s office immediately and let Attorney General Josh Stein know that you support the NCIHC’s request to sue the DEA, and want him to take immediate action to press forward — for the sake of the NC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program and farmers waiting to grow — before it is too late.
To call and show your support:
North Carolina Department of Justice
Josh Stein, Attorney General
(919) 716-6400
Calling is encouraged; however your comments may be shared at www.ncdoj.gov/Home/ContactNCDOJ.aspx (choose “Other” from the Topic choices).
Lawsuits have been filed against the DEA by other states and groups, with several relating to the DEA rules on movement of industrial hemp seed and plants between states, or shipped into a state from overseas.
See more about the NCIHC activities, the NC industrial hemp pilot program, and upcoming public meetings at www.ncagr.gov/hemp.
The NCIHA, who released the Call to Advocates and Supporters, is a 501(c6) non-profit organization for farmers, processors, researchers, and others interested in NC-grown industrial hemp. The organization is available at ncindhemp.org.
