NO BUZZ IN THE STEMS

The Sun-Times reported Gov. Ryan's decision to veto legislation "requiring
a study of industrial hemp as a potential alternative crop" [news story,
Feb. 24].

If the bill had passed, two state universities would have received funding
for the study of hemp's potential agricultural uses.

The article quoted Ryan: "I will not ignore the unified concern of drug
treatment and prevention groups that the ultimate commercial cultivation
and availability of a product that contains a mind-altering substance would
leave open the prospect of substance abuse."

Ryan cited as his reason for the veto his worries that the bill might not
require that the study explore ways to breed a version of industrial hemp
completely free of THC, the chemical in marijuana that supplies the "buzz."

Ryan's main concern, the plant's THC content, is unfounded. Industrial hemp
does contain trace amounts of THC, but not enough to get a person high.
Smoking it will cause a headache.

In arguing that there is not enough demand for the product, Ryan shows his
lack of knowledge of the subject. According to the Web site of the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, hemp can be used in "the
making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics,
foodstuffs, insulation and animal feed." The hemp seed is "second only to
soybeans in protein and contains the highest concentration of essential
amino acids and fatty acids found in any food." The plant yields more
material per acre than its inferior substitutes and is naturally resistant
to most pests, reducing the need for pesticides.

Ryan's refusal to study the uses of industrial hemp is obviously
fear-driven pandering to poll data.

Matt Richmond, Lincoln Square