HEMP BILL CLEARS ONE TEST

SPRINGFIELD -- Supporters of plans to test an alternative crop for
Illinois farmers leapt a major hurdle Tuesday, but others remain
before industrial hemp takes root in the state.

The Illinois House passed legislation 67-47 that would approve
studies at two state universities aimed at determining whether the
plant could have a productive future in farm fields. The studies
would be conducted through the agriculture departments at the
University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana and Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale.

Federal permits must be secured because it is illegal to grow
industrial hemp. Federal and state laws do not distinguish between
the plant and its better-known cousin, marijuana. Both share the
botanical name cannabis sativa.

A second hurdle is money. Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton, said it
could cost up to $1 million to establish the test plots and monitor
results. The Legislature still must vote to pay the bills.

Fencing would need to go up at SIU to protect the site. The
University of Illinois has a secure site already, Lawfer, a sponsor
of the legislation, said.

Lawfer is an enthusiastic supporter of industrial hemp. He cited a
plethora of products made from the plant in other countries where it
is grown.

Anti-drug activists have charged that the measure desensitizes people
to the menace of illegal drugs. Their concerns and opposition of the
Illinois State Police won over some representatives from largely
agricultural districts.

"Agriculture is important in my district, however, I don't think it's
the right direction to go," said Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, who
voted against the idea. "It's opening the door."

The measure goes to the governor, who has not taken a position.


Newshawk: Beth
Pubdate: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
Source: Quad-City Times (IA)
Copyright: 2001 Quad-City Times
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Author: Nancy Chesley