Pubdate: Sun, 18 Mar 2001
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2001 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  401 N. Wabash, Chicago IL 60611
Feedback: http://www.suntimes.com/geninfo/feedback.html
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Author: Matt Richmond
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n336/a05.html

NO BUZZ IN THE STEMS

The Sun-Times reported Gov. Ryan's decision to veto legislation "requiring 
a study of industrial hemp as a potential alternative crop" [news story, 
Feb. 24].

If the bill had passed, two state universities would have received funding 
for the study of hemp's potential agricultural uses.

The article quoted Ryan: "I will not ignore the unified concern of drug 
treatment and prevention groups that the ultimate commercial cultivation 
and availability of a product that contains a mind-altering substance would 
leave open the prospect of substance abuse."

Ryan cited as his reason for the veto his worries that the bill might not 
require that the study explore ways to breed a version of industrial hemp 
completely free of THC, the chemical in marijuana that supplies the "buzz."

Ryan's main concern, the plant's THC content, is unfounded. Industrial hemp 
does contain trace amounts of THC, but not enough to get a person high. 
Smoking it will cause a headache.

In arguing that there is not enough demand for the product, Ryan shows his 
lack of knowledge of the subject. According to the Web site of the National 
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, hemp can be used in "the 
making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, 
foodstuffs, insulation and animal feed." The hemp seed is "second only to 
soybeans in protein and contains the highest concentration of essential 
amino acids and fatty acids found in any food." The plant yields more 
material per acre than its inferior substitutes and is naturally resistant 
to most pests, reducing the need for pesticides.

Ryan's refusal to study the uses of industrial hemp is obviously 
fear-driven pandering to poll data.

Matt Richmond, Lincoln Square
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager