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 - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager