HOUSE BACKS MEASURE TO LET FARMERS GROW HEMP

CONCORD -- The House voted yesterday to allow farmers to grow hemp -- a
close relative of marijuana -- despite federal hurdles to planting the
controversial crop.

Several local lawmakers said they voted against the bill because of
opposition from law enforcement agencies.

State Rep. Paul Hopfgarten, R-Derry, was among those who opposed the
measure, saying he "didn't see the necessity of doing this until we are
clearer on the issues about how (marijuana and hemp) are different."
Supporters argue that hemp, which has a very low content of THC, the
psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has unfairly been characterized as
the same as marijuana. "This is not marijuana. This is hemp," insisted
Hopkinton Democrat Derek Owen, who added that hemp has been grown for
thousands of years. Hemp, known for its strong fiber, is used in a wide
range of products, including clothing, canvas, rope, fiberglass,
insulation, automobile clutch- and brake-liners, concrete and paper. It can
be grown legally in other countries, including Canada and China.

"Hemp is one of the oldest, most useful plants known to man," Owen said. He
argued it would provide a niche crop for the state's farmers. Hemp can be
grown only with permission from the federal Drug Enforcement
Administration. Last fall, a hemp research project in Hawaii was shut down
after it ran out of money and turned in its permit to the DEA. The bill
would let farmers grow hemp after obtaining a permit. The state would issue
licenses to grow hemp and be the sole supplier of the seed. The state also
would regulate the industry. People with criminal records involving drug
offenses within 10 years would not qualify for a permit. The 199-168 vote
sent the bill to the Senate.

Opponents said hemp should be considered as dangerous to children as
marijuana and remain outlawed. When young, hemp leaves can cause a similar
hallucinogenic effect to marijuana, argued Merrimack Republican Peter
Batula. "We don't need fields of this marijuana plant out there for picking
at harvest time," said Batula.

Several legislators refused to back the bill because it lacked the support
of the law enforcement community. Atkinson police Chief Philip Consentino
said he would "definitely be against growing any form of marijuana for any
purpose at all. It's strictly taboo."

State Rep. Charlie McMahon, R-Windham, voted against the bill, saying he
felt the opposition from law enforcement had merit.

Mary Griffin, another Windham Republican, agreed. "Law enforcement doesn't
support it, and current federal law will curtail the permits. I think this
bill was premature. I don't think any licenses will be issued even if it's
passed," she said.

Richard Cooney, R-Salem, who also opposed the legislation, said similar
bills have been introduced in the past, with arguments being made on both
sides. Meanwhile, Milford Republican Ryan Hansen insisted New Hampshire
should wait until federal rules are changed to permit the crop.

"The problem with this bill is it isn't going to allow farmers to grow
hemp," Hansen said.