Bill would let NDSU study wild hemp seeds

By JAMES WARDEN, Associated Press Writer

A longtime hemp supporter wants to authorize North Dakota State University to study seeds from wild hemp plants, hoping the information will give farmers a head start if the federal government allows the crop to be grown.

"Once it's legal, it's going to take off and go, because there is a demand," said Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, who is the House assistant majority leader.

Monson successfully pushed legislation eight years ago to authorize an NDSU study of the benefits of industrial hemp as an alternative crop.