CANADA OKS COMMERCIAL HEMP-GROWING

TILLSONBURG, Ontario (AP) - For the first time in 60 years, Canadian
farmers will be allowed to grow hemp this spring.

Health Minister Allan Rock confirmed Friday that commercial cultivation of
hemp will be allowed for the 1998 growing season.

``This new crop has a tremendous potential for creating new jobs in
agriculture, industry, research and retail,'' he said.

Industrial hemp can be used to make many products, including paper,
textiles, construction materials and rope.

It has been banned in Canada since 1938 because it is a member of the
cannabis family and contains the substance - THC - that gives marijuana
smokers their high. However, there is relatively little THC in industrial
hemp.

Canada's health department will regulate the hemp industry, and those
involved will have to have a permit.