cannabisnews.com: Get Growing on Hemp As National Resource Get Growing on Hemp As National Resource Posted by FoM on March 01, 2001 at 10:15:09 PT Editorial Opinion Source: Albuquerque Journal Farmers in New Mexico and more than half the other states are ready to grow when it comes to industrial hemp. But Rep. Pauline Gubbels' bill to legalize its production has been rendered as impotent as hemp's mythical psychoactive properties by the amendment grafted onto it by a House committee. The bill by Gubbels, R-Albuquerque, was endorsed 5-3 by the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee and sent to the House Judiciary Committee. However, the added amendment stipulates that hemp-growing licenses in New Mexico be granted only in accordance with federal law. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is reviewing its industrial hemp regulations, but still fails to distinguish hemp from its botanical cousin, marijuana; both are considered illegal drugs. Most experts concede, however, that industrial hemp has no drug value. Supporting the growing of hemp, therefore, should not be considered being "soft on drugs." Lotions and lip balms, hats, sandals and a full line of fine clothing made from hemp are already as accessible as the local mall. Hemp "nuts" and oils are available for cooking or snacking. Hemp is a source of clean-burning oil; leftover hulls make high-quality animal feeds. Stalks can be made into pressboard and paper and, unlike trees, hemp can be harvested three times a year. But U.S. farmers -- including those in New Mexico -- cannot produce the raw material for this lucrative market. Hemp instead is imported from farmers in more than 30 countries where growing is legal, including England, Canada, Germany, Australia and France. Under Gubbels' bill, would-be producers would undergo nationwide background checks and crops would be subject to narcotic-content testing before harvest. Farmers say hemp is easily distinguishable from marijuana in the field, and, appropriately for this state, requires little water to cultivate. The Legislature should pass Gubbels' bill without the disqualifying federal amendment and let the federal government justify its overzealous stand on hemp. New Mexico should help the nation move toward restoring hemp to its historic role as a national resource. Both farmers and consumers will benefit. Newshawk: Heyward D.Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)Published: March 3, 2001Copyright: 2001 Albuquerque JournalAddress: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103Contact: opinion abqjournal.comWebsite: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Related Article:Proposal Aims To Make Hemp a Legal Crop http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread8743.shtmlCannabisNews Hemp Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/hemp.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #1 posted by jAHn on March 01, 2001 at 11:02:24 PT Soft on Brains, maybe! "Most experts concede, however, that industrial hemp has no drug value. Supporting the growing of hemp, therefore, should not be considered being "soft on drugs." So, why not support the Hemp movement? Are you Hard on the Economy? Is there certain dollars that are better than others? Screw Du-Pont, Support Hemp!!! Screw Ford, Support Hemp!!! Screw Ashcroft, Support Hemp!!! Are our dollars not as good as the Screwed-Up cash that's made by a bunch of helmeted "Jocks?" And Race-Car drivers? Give up the War, You'll never WIN! What a waste on time and, if I might add, Such a Soft on Drugs way to approach dilemma. Legal-Ize It! Igziabeher....FU*K your GahD! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: