Pubdate: Sat, 12 Jul 2003
Source: Oregonian, The (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Eric Hamblen

FIRE UP HEMP INDUSTRY

Oregon has been a leader in this nation for many things that I am
proud of, including the Oregon Health Plan, Death with Dignity Act and
medical marijuana.

A sales tax that voters have repeatedly voted against is not the
answer.

Creating new jobs in a jobless recovery, in both agricultural and
industrial sectors, would be a step in the right direction.

Several democratic countries now bolster their economies with tens of
billions of dollars in the growing and manufacturing of hemp products.
States already possessing a sales tax are examining the possibilities
of doing the same.

Farmers' groups are recommending it, and it could bring Eastern and
Western Oregon back together again since the fall of the timber market.

Eric Hamblen,

North Portland
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MAP posted-by: Derek