The Vermont House Agricultural Committee has voted unanimously* to approve legislation that would allow farmers in the state to grow industrial hemp, the Rutland Herald reported Jan. 31.

Under federal law, growing hemp is banned along with cultivation of marijuana, its close cousin. But supporters of the legislation in Vermont said that passage could set the stage for establishing a new industry if a change in policy occurs.

"Eventually, the federal government is going to have to change its policy on hemp," said Amy Shollenberger, executive director of the group Rural Vermont. "We see this bill ... as making sure farmers in Vermont are on the front lines when it does."

About a half-dozen states in the U.S. have passed similar laws.

Rep. David Zuckerman, chair of the committee, dismissed concerns from the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law-enforcement agencies that legalizing hemp could complicate efforts to control marijuana. "The reality, we've learned, is that should not be a concern," he said. "Clearly, the 11-0 vote out of committee shows that the knowledge we learned created support across a broad political spectrum."  

* Correction notice (Feb. 5, 2008): As originally published, this summary stated that the House committee voted "anonymously." The correct term is, of course, "unanimously."