MEASURE TO ALLOW HEMP STUDY AT U OF I HEADS TO GOVERNOR

Legislation that would authorize the University of Illinois to study
industrial hemp production is on its way to Gov. George Ryan, who earlier
this year vetoed a similar proposal.

It's uncertain what Ryan will do with the measure this time. A spokesman
said Thursday the governor would reserve comment on House Bill 3377 until
it reaches his desk.

The Senate Thursday voted 38-16 for the bill, which earlier cleared the House.

In the United States, it is illegal to grow industrial hemp - a biological
relative of marijuana - without permission. In other countries, the plant's
seeds and fibers are used to produce clothing, shampoo and other items.

When Ryan vetoed the previous hemp bill, he said one problem was that it
wouldn't require researchers to try to develop a hemp plant without the
psychoactive ingredient known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes a
"high."

Supporters of the idea have since rewritten the bill, trying to address the
governor's concerns. If enacted into law, the new legislation would require
the U of I researchers to pursue "high-producing, high-quality varieties
(of hemp) with a zero level of THC."

Another change in the bill would authorize Western Illinois University to
research "the potential impact of commercial production of industrial hemp
on law enforcement." Illinois State Police objected to the earlier bill,
but the agency is neutral this time.

The research at both universities would be subject to the availability of
funding. No state money would be used.

The bill's supporters say that researching industrial hemp eventually could
result in another cash crop for Illinois farmers.

But opponents to the bill argued on the Senate floor that it would send the
wrong message, especially to young people.

"Why are the editors of High Times magazine talking about this bill?" asked
Sen. Peter Roskam, R-Glen Ellyn. "This bill is inextricably linked to the
legalization of marijuana."

Supporters of the legislation said that isn't true.

"This has nothing to do with that," said Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago.

In response to questions about whether a viable market would exist for
industrial hemp, Sen. Todd Sieben, a co-sponsor of the bill, said it's
difficult to develop a viable market for a product that has been illegal
for years in the United States.

"How do you know? So why not study it?" asked Sieben, a Geneseo Republican.