Joel Ebert

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

A bill that would allow licensed industrial hemp growers in Tennessee the ability to process and distribute their products, which one lawmaker called a "pipe dream," received a positive vote on Wednesday.

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved the legislation, which also would permit the development of certified hemp seeds with ultra-low THC, the psychotropic ingredient in marijuana that makes it a popular recreational drug.

While presenting the bill, Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, noted the prevalence of hemp around the world and in American history.

Faison provided a list of examples in which hemp has been used, including the paper the Declaration of Independence was printed on. He also said one company is even using hemp to print the Bible.

“They’re printing the word of God on it,” he said, adding that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson even grew hemp.

William Howard, a Shelby County hemp farmer, said the legislation would generate a significant amount of revenue in Tennessee, which has 50 hemp growers.

The state began accepting applications for hemp growers last year.

Agriculture Department seeks farmers to grow hemp

Tennessee is expected to see an increase of $304,000 in recurring funds as a result of Faison's bill. At the same time, it is estimated the bill also will cost the state $284,000, which would be used to cover the costs of additional inspectors.

But Howard said the state probably would see additional hemp growers, which could exceed the state's estimates.

The state’s hemp growers are restricted in several ways, he said, considering the fact that they can’t easily process hemp into materials such as twine.

“The only option is to send it to China or Mexico,” Howard said, adding that there is no guarantee the product will safely return to the United States.

Faison’s bill would change all that. It would allow licensed Tennesseans the ability to obtain a permit from the state Department of Agriculture to process hemp and distribute it within or outside the state.

In addition to the processing aspect, Howard praised the bill's attempt to implement a program that would certify hemp seeds.

"We would be the only state in the country to have a certified hemp seed if the bill passes,” he explained.

Some members of the House committee questioned Howard about the particulars of the growing industry, including whether there are regular inspections of the product and if there have been any issues with people attempting to steal hemp.

Howard tried to allay their fears on the latter issue, adding that the THC level of industrial hemp is extremely low. "You could smoke a dump truck load and not have an effect from it," he said.

Several committee members expressed support for the bill, including Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, who said, "This is a pipe dream that's been in the making for two or three years — no pun intended."

The bill now heads to the House Government Operations Committee.

Reach Joel Ebert at 615-259-8379 and on Twitter @joelebert29.