Hemp seeds planted in Kentucky following dispute

Hemp has turned into a legitimate test crop in Kentucky after a legal battle over imported seeds.

Researchers are planting seeds to start gauging the potential for the non-intoxicating cousin of marijuana.

University of Kentucky agronomy researchers planted a small plot Tuesday in central Kentucky.

The seeds were part of a shipment released after a legal standoff between Kentucky's Agriculture Department and the federal government.

Another test hemp plot affiliated with Murray State University in western Kentucky has also been planted.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says the research will eventually lead to new jobs and farm income.

The new federal farm bill allows state agriculture departments to designate hemp pilot projects for research in states that allow hemp growing. Kentucky is at the forefront of the comeback.

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