VENTURA SAYS HE'LL SIGN HEMP BILL

Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura says he supports a bill that would
legalize the growing of industrial hemp in Minnesota. Ventura says he and
Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson agree on it. He says industrial hemp
is used for many things. He and Hugoson agree it would be a diversified
product that farmers could use. He says if the bill gets to his desk he'll
sign it.

The bill is pending in the state senate. Supporters say hemp is a valuable
crop for farmers who can't make ends meet with wheat and corn. Opponents
fear hemp could serve as a cover for growing marijuana. Ventura was an
outspoken supporter of hemp during the Governor's campaign. He made his
latest comments yesterday (Friday) on a call-in talk show in the twin
cities.