Local officials are speaking out after some residents said smells from a hemp farm is affecting their health and overall quality of life.

Dutchess County residents have recently raised concerns over hemp farming in LaGrange, most specifically Hemp Productions, Inc. farming on Noxon Road. Some posts from a local Facebook group say the smell is impacting their health and quality of life.

In response, the Town of Lagrange Supervisor told residents he hears their concerns, but there isn't much he or anyone can do about the hemp farming.

"The Town is not granted authority to interfere or stop the growth, sale, distribution, transportation and processing of industrial hemp and products by licensed entities, Town of Lagrange Supervisor Alan Bell said in a press release.

An NYS Agriculture and Markets Law states growth, sale, distribution, transportation and processing of industrial hemp and products derived from hemp are permitted. On Feb. 26, 2018, Hemp Productions, Inc was issued a permit to possess, grow, cultivate and process industrial hemp for a period of three years. The permit was granted by the Commissioner of NYS Agriculture and Markets.

A rep from the farm responded on the local Facebook group to explain the situation:

To give a little more clarity on the situation, we are currently in the midst of harvest. We are growing feminized seeds, producing buds that are predominantly CBD. Our purpose in doing so is to raise awareness of the benefits of CBD usage.

CBD benefits include pain relief, anxiety, and various other things. Ideally, we want to bring back the popularity of farming. I hope with more understanding the community will see this as a beautiful thing that will help everything.

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