GET GROWING ON HEMP AS NATIONAL RESOURCE

Farmers in New Mexico and more than half the other states are ready to grow
when it comes to industrial hemp. But Rep. Pauline Gubbels' bill to
legalize its production has been rendered as impotent as hemp's mythical
psychoactive properties by the amendment grafted onto it by a House committee.

The bill by Gubbels, R-Albuquerque, was endorsed 5-3 by the House
Agriculture and Water Resources Committee and sent to the House Judiciary
Committee. However, the added amendment stipulates that hemp-growing
licenses in New Mexico be granted only in accordance with federal law.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is reviewing its industrial
hemp regulations, but still fails to distinguish hemp from its botanical
cousin, marijuana; both are considered illegal drugs.

Most experts concede, however, that industrial hemp has no drug value.
Supporting the growing of hemp, therefore, should not be considered being
"soft on drugs."

Lotions and lip balms, hats, sandals and a full line of fine clothing made
from hemp are already as accessible as the local mall. Hemp "nuts" and oils
are available for cooking or snacking. Hemp is a source of clean-burning
oil; leftover hulls make high-quality animal feeds. Stalks can be made into
pressboard and paper and, unlike trees, hemp can be harvested three times a
year.

But U.S. farmers -- including those in New Mexico -- cannot produce the raw
material for this lucrative market. Hemp instead is imported from farmers
in more than 30 countries where growing is legal, including England,
Canada, Germany, Australia and France.

Under Gubbels' bill, would-be producers would undergo nationwide background
checks and crops would be subject to narcotic-content testing before
harvest. Farmers say hemp is easily distinguishable from marijuana in the
field, and, appropriately for this state, requires little water to cultivate.

The Legislature should pass Gubbels' bill without the disqualifying federal
amendment and let the federal government justify its overzealous stand on
hemp. New Mexico should help the nation move toward restoring hemp to its
historic role as a national resource. Both farmers and consumers will benefit.