A BOON TO STATE'S HEMP INDUSTRY

It's nice to see Debra J. Saunders use her writing skills to back
Proposition 19 ("End Prohibition - yes on Proposition 19," Insight,
Sept. 19) rather than taking pot shots at President Obama (pun intended).

One argument against legalization:

Because anyone can grow pot, the state would not see the amount of tax
revenue that has been projected. Overlooked is the fact that
legalizing pot would also legalize industrial hemp production, which
would be a boon to California farmers, start a new industry and create
jobs.

Hemp production also would make up for any taxes not realized from pot
sales. It might cut into the profits enjoyed by synthetic textile,
wood and paper interests though.

John Keane, Nevada City