Pubdate: Sat, 18 Mar 2000
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2000 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact:  606-255-7236
Website: http://www.kentuckyconnect.com/heraldleader/
Forum: http://krwebx.infi.net/webxmulti/cgi-bin/WebX?lexingtn
Bookmarks: MAP'S link to hemp items:
http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm
Editorials, OPEDs & Columns:
http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm

HEMP, HEMP, HOORAY

Well, it's better than nothing. The House voted 63-31 to make growing hemp 
legal again - but only as a university experiment.

House Bill 855 originally sought to let farmers grow hemp under strict 
state regulations and law-enforcement scrutiny. But its sponsor, Rep. Joe 
Barrows, D-Versailles, had to weaken it considerably to get anything passed.

It seems too many lawmakers, as well as Gov. Paul Patton, worried that 
growing hemp would lead to uncontrolled cultivation of its botanical 
cousin, marijuana. But investors in that illegal cash crop are unlikely to 
be waiting on hemp which doesn't contain enough chemicals to get anyone 
high as a camouflage.

The bill, no matter how tepid, is a sign of legislative support for hemp. 
The Kentucky Farm Bureau and four former governors extol the potential of a 
crop that can be used in paper-making, as fabric in clothes, automobiles 
and carpet, even as a substitute for plastic. The leftover pulp can be used 
as animal bedding.

Given all the uncertainty about tobacco quota cuts, overseas production and 
contract farming it would be irresponsible for lawmakers to deny a chance 
to evaluate hemp as an alternative crop. The Senate should approve the bill. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake