ILLINOIS HOUSE APPROVES STUDY OF HEMP

The Illinois House passed a bill Tuesday calling for a feasibility study of
growing hemp as a legal crop.

It was a 67-43 vote victory for Rep. Ron Lawfer, R-Stockton, who supports
hemp as an alternative crop. Opponents have expressed concern that the
introduction of hemp could lead to legalization of marijuana.

"There is a misperception that growing hemp will lead to increased drug
use," Lawfer said. "Hemp is not a drug, and the sole purpose of growing it
is to help farmers and provide a product that the market demands."

Hemp currently is imported into the United States for industrial use.

The study bill was passed by the Illinois Senate last spring, 49-9, and now
awaits Gov. George Ryan's signature. Lawfer said Ryan has expressed support
for studying alternative crops.

"It has been known for some time that hemp is useful in the making of many
materials," Lawfer said. "This could prove to be an excellent alternate
rotation crop for farmers and an effective way to increase farm income."

The study will examine the best growing conditions for hemp, methods of
adapting machinery for its harvest, and identify appropriate seed varieties
for Illinois and the required soils. The study will be conducted by the
University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.

Lawfer said it will be necessary for the universities to obtain federal
permits to secure seed, and the study will be strictly controlled.
Researchers are to report their findings to the General Assembly by January
2002.