SENATE PANEL BACKS HEMP AS ALTERNATIVE CROP

Foes Say Bill Would Enhance Illegal Marijuana

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Industrial hemp came one step closer on Tuesday to
becoming an alternative crop for Illinois farmers.

An Illinois Senate committee advanced a bill that would allow Illinois
universities to study the crop's viability in production of clothing and
other items.

Opponents argued it could make it easier to grow illegal marijuana.

"What they are trying to do is get us to accept marijuana incrementally as a
safe product," said Judy Kreamer, past-president of the Illinois Drug
Education Alliance.

Kreamer, from Naperville, provided the only testimony opposing the bill
sponsored by Sen. Evelyn Bowles, D-Edwardsville.

"If they want marijuana, it's available," Bowles said before the meeting.
"Those who are addicted to it will find it. That's not what this is all
about."

The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 6-0 to send the measure to the Senate
floor for a full debate. Among those in favor was Sen. Frank Watson,
R-Greenville.

Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, who voted present, said he had some
reservations about the bill, in part because law enforcement does not
support it.

"One presenter questioned the demand (for industrial hemp) and I would like
to look into that more," he said.

Sen. William O'Daniel, D-Mount Vernon, who also voted present, said, "I
believe at this time it's not a very smart political vote until we do a
better job of convincing the general public that this (industrial hemp)
isn't associated with marijuana."

A similar measure that would urge Congress to acknowledge the difference
between marijuana and industrial hemp is scheduled for a vote in an Illinois
House committee this morning.

Despite a renewed interest in hemp's non-hallucinogenic uses, the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Agency has not changed its stance that production of industrial
hemp is illegal.

Industrial hemp contains a negligible level of hallucinogens compared with
marijuana.

By promoting the production of industrial hemp, Kreamer said, state
government would send a mixed message.

"Hemp products usually have a marijuana leaf on them," she said. "What
message is that sending to children?"

But supporters argue that industrial hemp, which can be used to make such
items as rope, clothing and paper, could save a lot of struggling family
farms.

The Illinois Farm Bureau supports a U.S. policy change on industrial hemp,
as does the St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The initial cost to cultivate a quarter acre of hemp at the University of
Illinois is estimated at $376,000 for the first year, said Donald Briskin,
professor of plant biology.

The bills are SB 1397 and HB 3559.