OUTPOST HEMP WON'T BE BANNED

We at the Outpost would like to correct and clarify our position on hemp
products and DEA regulation referred to in your Dec. 6 story. ["Hemp Food
Ban Hits Here."]

At no time was it stated or implied that the hemp products we had on sale
at our Capitol Drive location were being, "Put on sale to reduce stock
before the deadline." In fact, the two items on sale were being
discontinued due to slow sales. We have dozens of other products throughout
our stores that contain hemp, and we intend to keep selling these popular
items.

If any of our employees were not sure of potentially banned products, that
is because none of the products we currently sell, to our knowledge, would
fall under any proposed ban.

Our primary distributor requested and received documentation from all of
their suppliers of hemp products indicating that their products are free of
THC and in full compliance with the DEA guideline, and have been for some
time. As far as can be determined, none of the food products or health and
beauty aid products we carry in our stores are in immediate danger of being
quarantined or pulled off the market.

The DEA proposed guidelines state that foods that contain THC are illegal.
Properly cleaned and hulled hemp seeds do not contain THC. It's our belief
that the Interim Rule is a clarification of the basis under which the DEA,
U.S. Customs, and all responsible hempseed importers have been operating
under for quite some time-hempseed products may not contain THC.

We would agree that it's unfortunate the DEA is putting energy into
restricting the hemp industry even further. No responsible hemp producer
would sell THC-containing products. Hemp is a nutritious, incredibly
environmentally sound crop with dozens of industrial uses.

Outpost Natural Foods Co-op will continue selling the viable and legal hemp
products that our customers and owners expect.

Lisa Malmarowski

Marketing Manager

Outpost Natural Foods