COURT BLOCKS ACTION ON BAN ON FOOD MADE WITH HEMP

SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked enforcement
of a Drug Enforcement Administration rule banning food made with hemp, a
plant related to marijuana.

The agency declared in October that food products containing even trace
amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC - the psychoactive chemical found in
marijuana and sometimes in hemp - were banned under the Controlled
Substances Act.

The DEA halted production and distribution of all goods containing THC and
intended for human consumption. The products were to be destroyed or
removed from the United States by March 18.

But the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said late Thursday the government
could not enforce the rule until the court decides on challenges to it. The
appeals court is set to hear arguments on the case April 8.

Hemp is used in many food products including energy bars, waffles, tortilla
chips, milk-free cheese, veggie burgers, salad oil and bread. Hemp fibers
are used in paper, clothing and other products, and hemp oil is found in
body-care products such as soap and cosmetics.