HEMP CROP STUDY COMES UP FOR VOTE IN ILLINOIS

SPRINGFIELD - Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton, hopes his fellow
representatives will agree that industrial hemp is not marijuana and should
be researched as a possible alternative crop for farmers.

He is sponsoring legislation that would authorize a study of the crop under
very controlled conditions in the agricultural departments at the
University of Illinois at Urbana and Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale.

The topic has drawn controversy because industrial hemp is biologically
akin to marijuana. Both have the same botanical name, cannabis sativa.

Supporters say industrial hemp could benefit farmers as a third crop to
rotate with corn and soybeans in their fields, helping to reduce plant
disease. Lawfer said the leafy stalks can be grown with little or no
pesticides, another environmental advantage.

The studies would determine ideal varieties and growing conditions. But
first the schools would have to secure federal permits. Laws in the United
States do not distinguish between marijuana and industrial hemp, making it
illegal to cultivate either.

Currently it's illegal to have cannabis of any type. Anti-drug groups fear
permitting industrial hemp is a step toward legalizing marijuana. Police
oppose the legislation, saying it sends young people a confusing message.

Capt. Dave Sanders of the Illinois State Police said growing industrial
hemp as a crop would make it harder to enforce the law. Now when police
stop someone with marijuana, "you can pretty much look at it and have some
idea. What if the person says, 'No, it's hemp.' "

Sanders said police would have to submit a sample to a laboratory, heaping
additional testing onto what the state police's eight labs already perform.

Lawfer said legislators don't want to appear soft on crime, yet he sees
this as an agricultural issue. "This does not legalize marijuana. It
doesn't even legalize industrial hemp. The bill is strictly a study to see
if it's an economic and viable crop."

He said the research could uncover ways to reduce or eliminate the
already-low level of THC in industrial hemp. THC is the chemical that
causes marijuana users to get high.

Industrial hemp is grown in other countries, including neighboring Canada.
It is used in a multitude of products, from building materials to cooking
oil to clothing.

Usually the Illinois Department of Agriculture promotes any new
opportunities for farmers to boost income or broaden markets. However, it
has adopted a neutral position on industrial hemp legislation.

"It could possibly be of benefit to some individual producers," said John
Herath, agency spokesman. "But as for an overall economic impact on
agriculture in Illinois, it's probably not there."

The Senate passed the measure 49-9 last year, but it failed twice in the
House. Lawfer said he expected another vote Monday or Tuesday when the
Legislature returns to complete unfinished business before new and
re-elected senators and representatives are sworn in Wednesday.

If Lawfer gets his vote, he should have enough support to win passage. In
November, the last time the measure came up, it received 69 votes. That was
two votes short to pass it then, but more than the 60 required for passage
in January.