ANTI-DRUG ACTIVISTS BLAST HEMP-STUDY BILL

Anti-drug activists are hoping to put the brakes on legislation that would
authorize two Illinois universities to conduct research on the production
of industrial hemp, a biological relative of marijuana.

Senate Bill 1397 cleared the state Senate on a 49-9 vote last February, but
it stalled in the House, where sponsoring Rep. Ron Lawfer, R-Stockton,
decided not to call it for a vote because he didn't think it had enough
support to pass.

The bill would allow the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois
University to study the feasibility of growing hemp in Illinois and
possibly making it an alternative cash crop for the state's struggling
farmers. Members of the Illinois Drug Education Alliance, fearing the
measure could come up for a House vote soon, said Tuesday the bill is a bad
idea.

Legalization of industrial hemp is one of the "foothold strategies"
employed by people who want to make the use of marijuana and other drugs
legal, said Joyce Lohrentz, president of the alliance. Marijuana and hemp
both contain the psychoactive ingredient known as THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol), although the amount in industrial hemp is extremely
low.

THC poses a health risk, especially to fetuses in the womb, nursing infants
and adolescents, Lohrentz said at a Statehouse news conference.

"Our only agenda is children and helping to create a healthier environment
for them to grow up in," she said. "We believe in fighting to protect them
and keeping them safe."

Lawfer disputed the alliance's characterization of the legislation.

"We're not legalizing (hemp)," he said. "This bill does not legalize it.

"I am representing farmers in our area that are looking for an alternative
crop," he added. "The people that asked me (to sponsor the legislation) are
farmers in my area, and I'm not sure they're in any way involved in any
drugs or pot or whatever - or even read High Times magazine," Lawfer said.

Lawfer said Tuesday he hopes the bill comes up for a House floor vote
during the fall veto session, which continues this week and concludes Dec. 1.

If the House passes the bill, it would still need the governor's signature
to become law.