SENATE PANEL OKS HEMP BILL

ILLINOIS Supporters of a plan to study hemp as a potential new crop for
struggling farmers have scored a small victory.

The Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee voted 6-0 for legislation that
would allow a small amount of hemp to be grown and studied. The measure now
goes to the full Senate.

Hemp, a close cousin to marijuana that is illegal to grow, can be used in
everything from clothing to shampoo. Supporters say it could be a valuable
crop. Critics, however, fear legalizing hemp would be taken as a sign of
softening attitudes on drug use. They also predict hemp production would
make it easier for people to grow marijuana without being detected.