DRUG AGENCY ON DEFENSIVE AT HEARING ON POT SPRAYING

The U.S.Drug Enforcement Administration is soliciting public comment on its
continuing use of herbacides to eradicate marijuana plants.

But most speakers at a hearing last night at the Ala Moana Hotel urges
legalization of the drug, downsizing of the drug agency and government
promotin of a hemp-production industry.

"Unless the DEA can prove that the spraying is less dangerous to personal,
community and environmental health than the plant they are trying to
eradicate, there is nojustification for this expensive waste of taxpayers'
money," said Dr. Daniel Susott, an Oahu physician.

About 20 people spoke at the hearing on an environmental impact statement
supplement detailing the chemicals used and procedures followed in spraying
the illegal plant on land and from the air.The report said that in aeriel
eradication, the DEA uses new technology for directed spraying of specific
plantings rather than the "broadcast" method of widespread plant
eradication formerly used.

The impact statement says "the human health risk assassment...indicated
that no effects to humans were likely to occur from the normal use of
glyphosate in the cannabis eradication program."

"Marijuana users also are unlikely to be subjectto health effects
fromglyphosate-contaminated marijuana," it said.

However, a spokesman for the state Agriculture Department urged the federal
agency to be aware of the potential of contaminating the water source of
many Big Island residents who use open rain-catchment tanks.

Donald Topping, president of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawai'i, asked, "If
the herbicide is so safe, why are there so many caveats, such as 'not
expected to', 'is unlikely that,' rather than offering guarantees?"

John Nitsche, of Ocean View on the Big Island, said residents have
experienced electrical 'brown-outs' from spraying, and noted that many grow
vegatables, some commercially.

"It doesn't make sense to spray herbicidesfrom a helicopter," he said.
"There's a downdraft; it's windy. You can't control the spray."

Written comment will be taken until June 1, and may be sent to: Jack
Edmundson, Project Leader Environmental Analysis and Documentation, USDA,
APHIS, PPD; 4700 River Road Unit 149; Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1238.