BOISE, Idaho (KLIX)-Hemp will now be legal to transport through the state of Idaho after the governor signed an executive stopgap order Tuesday, however it does not make the crop legal to be grown in the state.

Governor Brad Little issued the executive order that aligns state law with recently changed state law that allows the legal transportation of hemp across the Gem State. The Idaho Legislature will have to come up with a more permanent measure in the future. The order only covers the transport of hemp, the law continues to prohibit the production of hemp and its byproducts.

The 2018 Farm Bill prevents states from prohibiting the transportation of hemp and opened the store for states to legalize the crop, however Idaho has not, and according to the governor's statement, may be in conflict with federal law. The Idaho State Police, Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Department of Agriculture will work together to carry out the executive order.

Picture by Bill Colley.
Picture by Bill Colley.
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From the start, I have stated I am not opposed to a new crop such as hemp, but that we need to be sure the production and shipping of industrial hemp is not a front to smuggle illicit drugs into and around Idaho. We expected new federal rules would eventually result in hemp lawfully traveling across state lines." Governor Little said in a prepared statement. "My administration has prepared for this development, working with partners in law enforcement and other interested parties. As it turns out, the rules were published at a time when the Idaho Legislature could not quickly respond. My executive order is a stopgap measure to address the narrow issue of interstate transportation of hemp until the Idaho Legislature develops a permanent regulatory framework around hemp.

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