LEGALIZE HEMP

I enjoyed "Medicinal marijuana use booms in Colorado" (July 28). I
hope Missourians soon can make use of that beneficial herb, too.
There are problems with prescription painkillers and
anti-depressants; besides serious addiction problems, there are
serious and risky side effects.

But the hemp herb has painkilling and anti-depressant effects without
any serious addicting power (less than coffee). And the side effects
from sensible use of it are pleasant and beneficial.

The agricultural benefits of legalizing hemp -- both medicinal and
industrial -- would be a gift to Missouri citizens, too. Hemp doesn't
need pesticides or herbicides, as do other crops. It also helps break
up the soil to provide excellent tilth for future crops in the
rotational cycle.

Hemp can be used for a variety of manufactured products: ethanol
fuel, internal lubricants, garments as rugged as denim or smooth as
silk, particle board, strong newsprint, gentle inks, insulation,
paint, plastic, varnish, soap, mulch, animal feed, birdseed,
granola, protein-rich flour, salad oil and nutritional supplements.
That is more product diversity than we have available from any other
plant. We should make full use of it again.

The hemp plant should be decriminalized so American farmers can grow
it. Its medicinal use should be allowed to help put the drug cartels
out of business. And the historic industries associated with hemp
could spring up, restoring our economy to the unmatched prosperity
we once had when hemp was legal.

Eldon Orr

Gatewood, Mo.