N.H. HOUSE APPROVES GROWING HEMP

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The House voted Thursday to allow farmers to
grow hemp - a close relative of marijuana - despite federal hurdles to
planting the controversial crop.

Supporters pointed out that hemp, which has a very low content of THC,
the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has unfairly been
characterized as the same as marijuana.

"You don't smoke hemp. A wheelbarrow full would only make you sick,"
insisted Hopkinton Democrat Derek Owen.

"Hemp is one of the oldest and most useful and strongest natural
plants known to man," he told the House.

Peterborough Republican Andrew Peterson spoke briefly against the
bill, urging the House to kill it.

But the House voted 190-76 to send it to the Senate.

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, cement and paper. It can be grown legally in
other countries, including Canada.

"No one confuses water with vodka though they look the same," Owen
said.

Hemp can be grown only with permission from the federal Drug
Enforcement Administration. North Dakota farmers are currently trying
to get DEA permission to grow hemp under that state's rules.

"This is in the end an issue of liberty. Small farmers in the state
need all the help they can get," Owen said.

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 House passed a bill two years ago to allow farmers to grow hemp,
but the Senate killed it.

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FACTS ABOUT HEMP:

Hemp is a close relative of marijuana; both are classified
scientifically as cannabis sativa.

Hemp generally is defined as cannabis sativa containing less than 1
percent THC, the mind-altering chemical in marijuana. The National
Institute for Drug Abuse defines marijuana as cannabis sativa
containing more than 3 percent THC.

There are more than 400 varieties of cannabis.

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, cement and paper.

Hemp seeds are considered a health food rich in essential amino acids.

Hemp seeds can be pressed for oil, which is used in skin lotions,
shampoos, soap and cosmetics.

In Russia, hemp butter is considered superior to peanut butter.

Hemp is a stalky plant that typically reaches heights of 8 feet to 12 feet.

Hemp was brought to South America from Spain in 1545. The first use
of hemp in North America is attributed to the Puritans in New
England, who used it with flax to produce cloth.

Hemp can be grown legally in other countries.