Pubdate: Fri, 27 Dec 2002
Source: Kitchener-Waterloo Record (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Kitchener-Waterloo Record
Contact:  http://www.therecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225
Author: Ken Walton

HEMP IS NOT A DRUG

Regarding decriminalization, I have consumed hydroponically grown lettuce, 
herbs and tomatoes. The flavour or quality has not been concentrated by 
hydroponics. On the contrary, I find hydroponic products bland. The high 
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels in pot was bred into it by old-fashioned 
plant breeding. Just like the zero per cent THC level was bred into hemp.

Hemp is not a drug. It contains high levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. 
If I grow one one-per cent THC hemp plant in my garden, I could face 
criminal charges. One needs a permit to grow hemp and growers, by 
government decree, have to grow thousands of plants. Thus, I can't grow 
hemp. But I can buy its products in a grocery store.

Would decriminalization lead to a drug culture? We are living in a drug 
culture now. Look at all the ads for drugs that will make you feel better.

Oxycontin, Ritalin, and Talwin are legally manufactured. Can the diversion 
of these drugs into illegal use be constrained by restricting their 
manufacture? No. That would be against free enterprise and thus against the 
law.

There was an argument against the decriminalization of hemp that it would 
be mixed with marijuana and thus all control over this benign drug would be 
lost. However, if high THC pot is bred with zero per cent hemp, this is 
what would happen. The certified hemp seed would become illegal and thus 
useless. And the pot would become weaker and thus less desirable.

Ken Walton

Kitchener
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MAP posted-by: Beth