HEMP BILL CLEARS ONE TEST

SPRINGFIELD - Supporters of plans to test an alternative crop for Illinois
farmers leapt a major hurdle Tuesday, but others remain before industrial
hemp takes root in the state.

The Illinois House passed legislation 67-47 that would approve studies at
two state universities aimed at determining whether the plant could have a
productive future in farm fields. The studies would be conducted through
the agriculture departments at the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Federal permits must be secured because it is illegal to grow industrial
hemp. Federal and state laws do not distinguish between the plant and its
better-known cousin, marijuana. Both share the botanical name cannabis sativa.

A second hurdle is money. Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton, said it could
cost up to $1 million to establish the test plots and monitor results. The
Legislature still must vote to pay the bills.

Fencing would need to go up at SIU to protect the site. The University of
Illinois has a secure site already, Lawfer, a sponsor of the legislation, said.

Lawfer is an enthusiastic supporter of industrial hemp. He cited a plethora
of products made from the plant in other countries where it is grown.

Anti-drug activists have charged that the measure desensitizes people to
the menace of illegal drugs. Their concerns and opposition of the Illinois
State Police won over some representatives from largely agricultural districts.

"Agriculture is important in my district, however, I don't think it's the
right direction to go," said Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, who voted
against the idea. "It's opening the door."

The measure goes to the governor, who has not taken a position.