cannabisnews.com: S. Assembly Approves Strom-Martins Hemp Resolution





S. Assembly Approves Strom-Martins Hemp Resolution
Posted by FoM on September 19, 1999 at 14:17:26 PT
Source: Hemptech
The resolution also directs the Legislature to request the University of California and the California State University to do research on the cultivation, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp.
Pubdate: September 10, 1999 Assembly House Resolution 32 by Assemblymember Virginia Strom-Martin (D-Duncans Mills), which calls on the state to consider changing the legal status of industrial hemp to allow for its cultivation as an agricultural and industrial crop, was approved today. The resolution also directs the Legislature to request the University of California and the California State University to do research on the cultivation, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp. "I'm proud that the California State Assembly has stepped into the forefront of the growing movement to restore common sense to the discussion of this potentially valuable agricultural resource," said Strom-Martin. "My resolution doesn't ask for anything more than a serious consideration of industrial hemp on its merits by the Legislature and our public universities." According to studies cited by the resolution's proponents, industrial hemp contains less than 1% of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana, on the other hand, contains THC concentrations of 5% to 20%. Industrial hemp can also be distinguished from marijuana by appearance and cultivation methods. Industrial hemp can be used to produce paper, building materials, textile fiber, oil and paint, diesel fuel, plastics, and food protein that proponents claim are as good or better than that from current sources of these products. Industrial hemp also can be grown in otherwise marginal cropland, requires less water once established and little or no herbicide or pesticide application, and matures in three to four months, thereby allowing several harvests per year. A wide range of products, from clothing and cosmetics to beer and cheese, that are made wholly or partially from industrial hemp are currently available in California. While these products may be manufactured in California, the raw material must be imported. Industrial hemp cultivation was recently made legal in North Dakota, and both Hawaii and Minnesota have approved the growing of test crops. 16 other states are considering industrial hemp legislation. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which currently permits the cultivation of industrial hemp under very strict rules and regulations, is reviewing those standards with an eye to easing the restrictions on cultivation. "Any future development of industrial hemp as an agricultural and industrial crop will depend on the DEA's approval," said Strom-Martin, "which is as it should be. I'm confident that when all the facts are in, industrial hemp will take its place as a legal and profitable crop for California farmers. I want to make sure we're ready to take advantage of that opportunity when it arrives." Strom-Martin Supports Industrial Hemp - 8/15/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2501.shtml
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