HEMP BILL NOT WITHOUT CRITICISM

Some Say Growing The Plant For Industry Could Hamper Police Investigations.

Industrial hemp could be Oregon's next cash crop if lawmakers sign off on a
bill that got a hearing before the Senate Agricultural Committee Friday.

But opponents say hemp plants are difficult to distinguish from illegal
marijuana plants.

They also worry that cultivating hemp could inhibit police investigations
of people growing pot.

On Friday, the Senate Agricultural Committee heard from businesses
marketing hemp-based products such as clothing and lip balm.

"My vision for Oregon regarding industrial hemp is to basically establish
Oregon as a leader in the seed bank for the United States as well as the
production of industrial hemp," said Eugene Democrat Floyd Prozanski, who
used to be on the Eugene Police Commission.

"We've found a need and a desire by many farmers in this state to be able
to grow industrial hemp in the east side of the Cascades, as well as the west."

But Sergeant Craig Durbin, of the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement
Division, testified that the legislative bill could violate state and
federal drug laws.

Supporters of the bill say they aren't sure yet whether they have the votes
to pass the bill out of committee.