Pubdate: Fri, 11 May 2001
Source: Pantagraph, The  (IL)
Copyright: 2001 The Pantagraph
Contact:  http://www.pantagraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/643
Author: Kurt Erickson, Statehouse Bureau Chief
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

HEMP STUDY ADVANCES

SPRINGFIELD -- A plan to study the possible use of hemp as a cash crop in 
Illinois is headed back to Gov. George Ryan, who vetoed similar legislation 
earlier this year

Supporters said the new version of the bill addresses some of the 
governor's worries, which focused on concern that the legislation was 
nothing more than an attempt to legalize marijuana.

Opponents, including the Illinois Drug Education Alliance, were unable to 
stop the legislation, which was approved in the Senate on a 38-16 vote 
Thursday.

"The stakes are too high on this," argued state Sen. Peter Roskam, a 
Naperville Republican who voted "no."

Federal law bars production of hemp, which was grown in Illinois during 
World War II. It is legal to purchase items made from hemp fiber.
The proposed study, which would take place at the University of Illinois, 
would need to be sanctioned by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

The measure is House Bill 3377.
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MAP posted-by: GD