Tresa McAlhaney, Chairwoman for the Wyandotte County Libertarian Party and potential candidate for governor in 2014, spoke at the Salina Public Library Wednesday night. Among topics discussed, bringing Industrial Hemp to Kansas.

McAlhaney explained how the crop requires less water and little pesticides. Hemp can also be fashioned into many usable products like rope, canvas, clothing, fiber boards and other items. Permitting hemp farming would not only expand farmers’ options for crops but it would provide additional stability and profitability due to diversification.

“The best way to allow hemp farming would be to start legislation legalizing the process on a Federal level. This will only happen when states come together in support of hemp farming,” she said.