Pubdate: Thu, 08 Mar 2001
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer (OH)
Copyright: 2001 The Cincinnati Enquirer
Contact:  2055 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Website: http://enquirer.com/today/
Author: Mark R. Chellgren, The Associated Press

HEMP RESEARCH IN KY DRAWS NEAR

Senate Votes Approval, 26-11

FRANKFORT -- Kentucky will try to undertake research into the agricultural 
and economic viability of industrial hemp, despite another round of 
legislative warnings that it will lead to legalized marijuana.

The Senate on Wednesday voted, 26-11, to approve the research, which is not 
a foregone conclusion in any event. No research would begin until a 
university is selected, which then must obtain required permits from 
federal drug-enforcement authorities. Only Hawaii has obtained such federal 
permission.

The House must still approve minor changes in the bill made by the Senate, 
but that is expected to be a formality. The House earlier voted, 66-32, to 
pass the bill.

Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, said a study could eliminate the 
questions and dire warnings about what might happen if industrial-hemp 
research is undertaken.

"This is only a study," Mr. Pendleton said. "It doesn't say anything about 
legalizing growing hemp."

Hemp is not new to Kentucky. As recently as the World War II years, hemp 
was grown widely as fiber to make rope. Wild hemp plants can still be found 
along fence rows in some western parts of the state.

But marijuana, which is the narcotic cousin of hemp, is also common in the 
state. Some estimates make it the most profitable crop in Kentucky, illegal 
though it may be.

"Legalizing hemp is legalizing marijuana, it's a stepping stone to that," 
said Sen. Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs.

Democratic Gov. Paul Patton has dropped his reservations and is expected to 
sign the bill.

There is no state funding for research, which prompted Mr. McGaha to wonder 
how it will be financed.

State funding was one of the reasons cited by Illinois Gov. George Ryan, 
who vetoed a similar state initiative for industrial hemp last month.

Mr. Ryan said there was not enough of a market for hemp products to justify 
a $1 million state appropriation. Further, Mr. Ryan said the Illinois study 
did not require research into a plant that produces none of the drug that 
gives marijuana its narcotic effect.
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