Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota farmers can begin applying for a license to grow industrial hemp after the first of the year.

Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson says the state rules were approved today by a legislative committee.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem ruled last month that they comply with state law.

Johnson says the rules would require a criminal background check on farmers who want to grow hemp. The sale of hemp and location of the hemp fields must be documented. And the farmer must get a permit from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Johnson says getting the D-E-A to sign off on the license will likely be an uphill battle.

Steve Robertson is a D-E-A special agent in Washington. He says the regulations for hemp are the same as they are for marijuana.

Industrial hemp is used to make an assortment of products from paper to rope and cosmetics.

Johnson says industrial hemp has no value for drug use. He says it does not contain enough of the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana for such use.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-04-06 1657CST | save this article / add to your favorites list