Hemp

One useful thing the Legislature could accomplish this session is the legalization of Hemp as a crop.  The cousin of Cannabis was a victim of reefer madness backlash and is illegal as a crop in New Mexico.  Many other states see the value of Hemp as a product for food, fiber and dozens of other good uses and have made it legal.  And Hemp uses 50% less water than cotton and other crops.

This is a decent cash crop that could help many small New Mexico farmers and it required little irrigation.  Hopefully, our legislature won't let it fall victim to the debate on legalized marijuana.  It is not the same thing.  But of course on most things like this our legislature won't charge into the future unless forced to do so.  The one hope is that the conservative agricultural lobby might see some value in this hemp crop legalization.