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Growing hemp is not as simple as putting seeds into the ground. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians tribe in Wisconsin is suing the state’s attorney general. It’s legal to grow hemp in the state, but the tribe insists they shouldn’t have to submit to the state’s oversight. Other tribes are also getting pushback in their attempts to turn hemp into a cash crop. The plant is related to marijuana but does not contain the psychoactive effects. It is listed as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The 2014 Farm Bill allows hemp for academic research. But large scale commercial industrial hemp is still in a legal grey area. Are the legal risks worth it?
Guests:
Marcus Grignon (Menominee Nation) – campaign manager at Hempstead Project Heart
Jeffrey A. Cormell – general counsel for St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
Garrett L. Davey – attorney for McAllister Garfield P.C.
Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe) – executive director of Honor the Earth and owner of Winona’s Hemp and Heritage Farm
Break Music: Tipi To A Tesla – Annie Humphrey (song) Annie Humphrey (artist) Uncombed Hair (album)
