Pubdate: Mon, 20 Mar 2000
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS)
Copyright: 2000 The Topeka Capital-Journal
Contact:  616 S.E. Jefferson, Topeka, Kansas 66607
Website: http://cjonline.com/
Author: ERIC A. VOTH, M.D., Topeka, chairman, International Drug Strategy
Institute.

ISSUE IS MARIJUANA

Despite claims that hemp/marijuana has great potential for industrial uses,
little potential exists for hemp to be a viable crop. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture has re-evaluated the potential uses of hemp and determined that
it represents only a small niche market. Evaluations from the University of
Kentucky, University of Hawaii, and the International Drug Strategy
Institute have found that the international market for hemp is actually
declining. Experience from Canada has demonstrated that the increased
growing of hemp has resulted in glutted markets.

The hemp movement threatens legitimate farmers by making expansive claims.
It poses a serious risk to farmers who give up legitimate crops like
soybeans, corn or fiber alternatives.

Hemp also creates a serious dilemma for law enforcement who are faced with
the use of hemp as a decoy for marijuana cultivation and trafficking. Do not
forget that hemp is the fiber stalk of the marijuana plant. While the THC
concentration in hemp may be low, it still can contain THC.

Finally, please remember that most supporters of hemp wear items with a
marijuana leaf logo, not a hemp stalk. It is marijuana that they really wish
to legalize.
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