Pubdate: Sat, 05 Apr 2003
Source: World, The (OR)
Copyright: 2003 Southwestern Oregon Publishing Company
Contact:  http://www.theworldlink.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1229
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

LAWMAKERS CONSIDER FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP IN OREGON

SALEM (AP) - Industrial hemp could be Oregon's next cash crop if lawmakers 
sign off on a bill that got a hearing before the Senate Agricultural 
Committee Friday.

But opponents say hemp plants are difficult to distinguish from illegal 
marijuana plants, and that cultivating hemp could inhibit police 
investigations of pot growers.

On Friday, the Senate Agricultural Committee heard from businesses 
marketing hemp-based products such as clothing and lip balm.

"My vision for Oregon regarding industrial hemp is to basically establish 
Oregon as a leader in the seed bank for the United States as well as the 
production of industrial hemp," said Eugene Democrat Floyd Prozanski. 
"We've found a need and a desire by many farmers in this state to be able 
to grow industrial hemp in the east side of the Cascades, as well as the west.

But Sergeant Craig Durbin, of the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement 
Division, testified that the legislative bill could violate state and 
federal drug laws.

Supporters of the bill say they aren't sure yet whether they have the votes 
to pass the bill out of committee.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom