HEMP RESEARCH LEGISLATION ADVANCES

FRANKFORT, KY. - Kentucky will try to undertake research into the
agricultural and economic viability of industrial hemp, despite another
round of legislative warnings that it will lead to legalized marijuana.

Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, said a study could eliminate the
questions and dire warnings about what might happen if industrial hemp
research is undertaken.

"This is only a study," Pendleton said. "It doesn't say anything about
legalizing growing hemp."

Hemp is not new to Kentucky. As recently as the World War II years, hemp
was grown widely as fiber to make rope. Wild hemp plants can still be found
along fence rows in some western parts of the state.

But marijuana, which is the narcotic cousin of hemp, is also common in the
state. Some estimates make it the most profitable crop in Kentucky, illegal
though it may be.

The Senate voted 26-11 Wednesday to approve the research, which is not a
foregone conclusion in any event. No research would begin until a
university is selected, which then must obtain required permits from
federal drug enforcement authorities. Only Hawaii has obtained such federal
permission.

The House must still approve minor changes in the bill made by the Senate,
but that is expected to be a formality. The House voted 66-32 to pass the
bill earlier.

And Democratic Gov. Paul Patton is expected to sign the bill.