Montana Legislature weighs bills to encourage hemp industry

Colby Johnson was celebrating his 30th birthday in Las Vegas when he noticed the neon advertisements for CBD. The letters were everywhere.

The hemp-derived tincture cannabidiol is said to relieve pain, anxiety and other health issues, though science hasn't yet corroborated such claims. Regardless.

"When I see those signs, I think to myself, the best CBD can be grown here in Montana," said Johnson, who farms north of Conrad.

He isn't alone. A wealth of Treasure State growers believe hemp can supplement thinning profit margins on traditional crops.

That wasn't so viable before last year's federa...