HEMP GROWING

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The House narrowly defeated and returned to committee
Thursday a bill that would have made it legal to grow hemp in New Hampshire.

The bill would let farmers grow the hemp, which is related to marijuana but
contains little of the high-inducing substance in it. It lost 183-174.

But supporters asked that the measure be sent back to committee for
reworking since the vote was so close. That passed 195-163.

John Stephen, deputy safety commissioner, said he was pleased but surprised
by the vote, since a House committee had recommended passing the bill.

"We don’t want to send a message to our young kids that we are even trying
to legalize marijuana," he said.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Derek Owen, D-Hopkinton, who in September
1998 lost a claim in federal court to grow hemp.

Hemp can be grown only with permission from the federal Drug Enforcement
Administration.

Opponents argued the measure would make drug enforcement measures more
difficult because the hemp plant closely resembles marijuana plants.

Supporters said hemp was an agricultural crop with little relation to drugs.
The uses of industrial grade hemp include fabrics, oils and paper.

"It’s about rope; it’s not about dope," said Hobart Harmon, R-Bristol.