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| Gov. Ryan Blocks Hemp Study Again |
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Posted by FoM on August 04, 2001 at 07:52:40 PT By The Associated Press Source: Pantagraph 
Gov. George Ryan has once again blocked a study of industrial hemp's potential as a crop for Illinois farmers, arguing Friday that other studies have settled the issue already. Ryan also signed legislation to help graduates of a Governors State University social work program that failed to get national accreditation. The hemp bill would have allowed the University of Illinois to grow the plant -- a cousin to the drug marijuana -- and study whether it could be raised profitably in Illinois. Meanwhile, Western Illinois University would have studied law enforcement issues raised by growing hemp. Ryan said he vetoed the bill because other studies have already convinced him that hemp would not be a successful crop. The move to grow hemp also "plays into the national strategy of groups seeking to remove existing criminal penalties for cannabis/marijuana," he added. The Republican governor vetoed a similar bill earlier this year. The second version tried to address his concerns by studying law enforcement concerns and looking for ways to grow hemp with none of the mind-altering chemical found in marijuana. The measure related to Governors State will allow 77 graduate students to be licensed for social work if they meet certain criteria. The graduates will be able to get licenses from the state if they successfully completed the university program and pass necessary examinations. In some cases, students must pass additional coursework once the university becomes accredited. Ryan also approved bills that: * Require repeat drunken drivers to get special "ignition interlock" devices that prevent a car from starting unless the driver passes a sobriety test. * Create a list of all local gun ordinances. Gun advocates say it's necessary so gun owners know what local laws apply as they travel throughout the state. * Requires the Department of Corrections to provide an identification card to people released from prison. Supporters say inmates often leave prison without a drivers license or other form of ID often needed to get work. The hemp bill is HB3377. The Governors State bill is SB1152. On the Net: http://www.legis.state.il.us Related Article & Web Site: Hemp Links Legislature Again Sends Ryan Bill on Hemp CannabisNews Hemp Archives Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #8 posted by mayan on August 06, 2001 at 23:41:25 PT |
| They only need 3/5ths to override it. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #7 posted by Patrick on August 05, 2001 at 07:50:47 PT |
| Did you post twice because you had a few too many martinis? Or are you really a smoker of the "hazardous pot itself" and suffered a momentary loss of memory afte the first posting? Can you please post the links here to the studies pointing out all the hazards you speak of? Unlike anti's people here like to read both sides of an issue. And please explain to the rest of us how smoking pot in the privacy of my own home is dangerous, more dangerous perhaps than driving with a big mac in one hand and a cell phone in the other. Me smells another lie and propaganda pusher. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #6 posted by Terry on August 05, 2001 at 07:34:01 PT |
| I am glad the bill was vetoed by Governor Ryan. It is part of a strategy to normalize the use of pot. There is a lot of research about the hazards of the pot itself, the effects on family relationships, the negative effects in the workplace and more. The legalizers want to smoke when they want, where they want and not care about the problems they cause or the difficulties they leave in their wake. It is dangerous and should not be legalized. Terry [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #5 posted by Terry on August 05, 2001 at 07:34:00 PT |
| I am glad the bill was vetoed by Governor Ryan. It is part of a strategy to normalize the use of pot. There is a lot of research about the hazards of the pot itself, the effects on family relationships, the negative effects in the workplace and more. The legalizers want to smoke when they want, where they want and not care about the problems they cause or the difficulties they leave in their wake. It is dangerous and should not be legalized. Terry [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by mayan on August 04, 2001 at 14:14:42 PT |
| In my local paper Ryan states,"Ultimate commercial cultivation and the avaliability of a product that contains a potentially mind-altering substance would leave open the prospect of substance abuse." But this study was to attempt to develop a strain that would have absolutely no THC! How could a strain with no THC lead to substance abuse? He obviously didn't even take time to read the bill! Governor Ryan will announce in about a week whether or not he will seek re-election. My guess is that he won't since his approval ratings are low already. Dan B is absolutely correct. All of Ryan's concerns were adressed in this bill. He had absolutely no legitamate reason to veto it. Governor Ryan has been exposed as a puppet for corporate interests by snubbing the vast majority if Illinois voters. Our farmers strongly supported this bill. At least now they know a little more about Governor Ryan. I believe our General Assembly can overide this veto in the fall legislative session. They should be able to get the 2/3rds neccesary. I urge everyone to e-mail as many Illinois State legislators as possible to voice your support for this bill. http://www.legis.state.il.us [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #3 posted by Dan B on August 04, 2001 at 10:44:56 PT:
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| Were I bit bit more alert, I would have written "and farmers" after the word "users." I agree with your assessment 100%. Sooner or later, Ryan will be booted. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later. Dan B [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by aocp on August 04, 2001 at 10:27:36 PT |
| ... but FARMERS. Ryan said he vetoed the bill because other studies Good job. Let's alienate the guys who grow our freaking [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #1 posted by Dan B on August 04, 2001 at 08:13:34 PT:
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| Last time they tried to pass an industrial hemp project in the state of Illinois, Gov. George Ryan said he was concerned about security matters. Now that they have addressed the so-called "security matters," they have finally managed to force the Gov. to reveal his true motivations: he's a drug warrior to the core. Believe it or not, this is a good thing. Public opinion is rapidly changing with respect to this issue, and very soon these drug warriors will see a backlash against their hypocritical, devious and destructive ways. Ending the drug war is quickly coming to the fore of the public policy debate. Compared to just three years ago, we are seeing an all-out media blitz when it comes to debating how drugs are dealt with in this society. For the first time since 1979, we are actually having a debate in this country, and the prohibs are running scared. Their time is short. So, when politicians like Ryan publicly declare their bigotry toward users of some drugs (but not others), I feel a surge of hope that soon these people will be run out of office on a rail. Under their feet, the earth is crumbling, and soon they will fall into an abyss of their own creation. Dan B [ Post Comment ] |
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