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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo is working to lay the groundwork to allow hemp to be grown in New York state.

Lupardo, an Endwell Democrat, says she has introduced a bill that would set the framework for establishing a hemp industry in the state.

Lupardo and Senator Thomas O'Mara, a Big Flats Republican, are supporting the proposal.

A provision in the Farm Bill signed into law by President Obama in February legalizes the growth of hemp for research purposes.

Lupardo says hemp could provide an opportunity for the state's agricultural industry. She notes the hemp stalk and seed may be used for building materials, food, paper and fuel.

The legislation introduced by Lupardo and O'Mara would set up procedures for New York to pursue research.

Industrial hemp and marijuana are different varieties of cannabis. A drug cannot be extracted from hemp.

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