OUTDATED LAWS, TABOOS OBSTRUCT INDUSTRIAL HEMP

To the editor:

Industrial hemp is a possible tool to boost our nation's agricultural
richness 10 thousandfold. It is a raw material which has endless uses such
as clothing, lubricants, bio-friendly cleaning agents, shampoos and
toothpastes.

Although American retailers spend billions each year for hemp-based
products, industrial hemp is illegal to grow in our country because of
outdated taboos and laws surrounding cannabis containing
tetrahydrocannibinol (known as THC). While industrial hemp does contain
trace amounts of THC, the amount is so minimal it is useless as a medium
for drug use.

Currently lawmakers are looking to raise cigarette taxes by yet another 17
percent to encourage farmers to grow other crops. This method has failed to
work in the past and will continue to fail. The cost of medical treatment
for cigarette-related illness rises along with the cost of cigarettes.

It's time to look at the other possibilities. Industrial hemp could very
well be the answer.

Vern Davidson

Scott City, Mo