Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jan 2000
Source: Union Leader (NH)
Copyright: The Union Leader Corp. 2000
Contact:  P.O. Box 9555 Manchester, NH 03108-9555
Website: http://www.theunionleader.com/
Author: John Toole, State House Bureau

HOUSE GIVES INITIAL OK TO LEGALIZED HEMP INDUSTRY

House lawmakers yesterday stunned law enforcers by giving initial approval 
to a bill legalizing the hemp industry in New Hampshire. Opponents said 
they would seek to overturn the House decision as soon as this afternoon, 
while law enforcement officials vowed to renew their fight against the bill.

"I can't believe it. What a sad state of affairs," Concord Police Chief 
William Halacy said. "Law enforcement will continue to fight this thing."

Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn said he was "disappointed" by the House 
action.

"We certainly don't feel this legislation serves any legitimate purpose," 
Wrenn said. "We don't feel this should be legal."

Law enforcement officials oppose legalization of hemp because the plant is 
a relative of marijuana, although it has a lower content of THC, the 
chemical that gives pot smokers a high.

The House Environment and Agriculture Committee had recommended study for 
House Bill 239, permitting development of an industrial hemp industry.

But the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Derek Owen, D-Hopkinton, convinced the 
House to reject study, 176-172, and instead pass the bill, 181-167.

The bill is now expected to move to the House Finance Committee and would 
face a second House vote later.

But Rep. Tony Soltani, R-Epsom, said opponents could ask the House to 
reconsider the vote this afternoon.

"We might move for reconsideration (Thursday) or wait until it comes back 
from Finance and fight it," Soltani said.

"Legalizing this stuff sets a bad example for our children," Soltani told 
House lawmakers during debate.

But Rep. Amy Robb-Theroux, D-Claremont, argued the merits of hemp as a cash 
crop for New Hampshire growers.

"This bill is about money," Robb-Theroux said, noting Canada growers reaped 
more than $16 million in the first year after legalization.

Supporters disputed law enforcement views. "This is not a drug you can 
smoke and get high," Robb-Theroux said.

Deputy state Safety Commissioner John Stephen said law enforcers will 
continue to press their case at the Legislature in opposing the bill.

"There will be a new hearing in the Senate. We will do the best we can," 
Stephen said.

"It is marijuana, that's what it is," Stephen said. "We'll continue to 
state our case."
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