THE VIRTUES OF HEMP

The debate that rages on about Proposition 19 ignores an important
factor. If marijuana were to be legalized, it follows that the growing
of hemp as an agricultural crop would be legalized as well.

Many years ago the respected journal Nature evaluated the "wild
claims" about the benefits of hemp and found that the claims were
essentially true.

These benefits are as follows: a valuable source of energy, oil rich
in Omega 3, food, fiber for paper, fiber for textiles and many other
byproducts. Hemp produces huge yields and uses few chemicals, benefits
the environment and soil. Hemp would be widely grown and would greatly
boost the economy.

It would be bad news for existing paper, energy and cotton interests,
but so what?

Gabe Lewin, Davis