DRUG CZAR CAUTIONS AGAINST HEMP CROPS

SPRINGFIELD - The nation's top drug enforcement official Monday attempted
to temper growing legislative interest in the possibility of making hemp a
viable cash crop for Illinois' struggling farm economy.

The plant, which is a genetic cousin to marijuana, has been hailed by its
supporters as a potentially profitable raw material for textiles, paper
products and food.

But as the Illinois House mulls authorizing a new study of the crop,
President Clinton's drug czar cautioned House Speaker Michael Madigan
(D-Chicago) about potential pitfalls with hemp, which is now illegal to grow.

"The federal government is concerned that hemp cultivation may be a
stalking horse for the legalization of marijuana," Barry R. McCaffrey,
director of the office of National Drug Control Policy, wrote in a letter
to Madigan.

McCaffrey also pointed to concerns raised by the military and various
federal agencies about whether greater use of hemp might taint drug-testing
procedures. His office has been made aware that some individuals who tested
positive for marijuana argued they had consumed hemp before the tests.

Immediately after McCaffrey's letter reached the statehouse, supporters of
hemp began scoffing at his arguments.

"No one is suggesting the legalization of marijuana. It really obfuscates
the purpose of this argument, which is to improve a seriously failing farm
economy," said Rep. Judy Erwin (D-Chicago), one of four House members
pushing a study of hemp.

Last week, by a 49-9 vote, the Senate sent to the House a measure that
would authorize the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University
to analyze whether hemp could be mass-produced in the state and what
potential demand for the crop is.

"Our farmers are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for an
alternative crop to get back on track financially," said Sen. Evelyn Bowles
(D-Edwardsville), the bill's lead Senate sponsor.

The University of Illinois has estimated that a two-year study of hemp
would cost about $375,000. If a study is approved by the legislature, the
Drug Enforcement Administration would still have to sign off any research
project, as it has in one other state: Hawaii.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the Chicago Democrat has an open mind on
the concept and has yet to see evidence that hemp production would open the
door to wider marijuana use. The House may take up the issue later this
week.