FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear says he wants law enforcement's concerns about industrial hemp resolved before Kentucky moves ahead with a push to grow the plant.

State police oppose the effort by Kentucky Republican leaders to license and regulate hemp if the federal government ever lifts a ban on it.

Beshear told reporters Tuesday the Legislature needs to weigh law enforcement's concerns carefully, given the horrible drug problem Kentucky is dealing with. He is only the latest state Democratic leader to voice such concerns about the plant, which has leaves identical to marijuana. House Speaker Greg Stumbo did the same last week.

The Senate passed legislation last week despite concerns that hemp fields would be ideal places for marijuana growers to hide their crops.

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The legislation is Senate Bill 50.

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