cannabisnews.com: Industrial Hemp Won’t Go To Pot





Industrial Hemp Won’t Go To Pot
Posted by CN Staff on October 18, 2004 at 07:30:18 PT
Editorial
Source: Northern Star 
Although politicos have every right to be concerned about the legalization of growing industrial hemp, they, like many people, shouldn’t become dazed about the actual use of the crop. Currently, industrial hemp is illegal to grow in Illinois, even for research purposes. But many believe the ability to grow the crop is beneficial not only for research purposes, but for the environment as well.
Industrial hemp - which has a much lower THC level than what is found in marijuana used for smoking - can be used to produce paper, textiles, oil for food and a number of other products. It also could help revitalize the nutrient-depleted soil that results from a lack of crop rotation. Marijuana users typically look for a THC content between 6 and 20 percent, while industrial hemp has a THC level of less than 0.3 percent. DeKalb County farmers grow mostly corn and soybeans, and adding hemp to the rotation could increase farm productivity. Many people are against the growing of industrial hemp because it might be confused with its higher-quality counterpart. However, educating people about the crops’ differences won’t cause drug-wanting teenagers and others to trek through DeKalb hempfields in search of a cheap high. In Canada, industrial hemp was grown without any fences surrounding the fields, but in the beginning, there were some minor problems with people stealing some of the crop. If enough information is put out there to dispel the odors of growing industrial hemp - much like educators do with drug education program - farmers and legislators shouldn’t have to worry about the misconceptions the crop might bring. While controversial in nature, growing industrial hemp shouldn’t be looked at as a problem, but a way to ignite the farming industry.Source: Northern Star (IL Edu)Published: Monday, October 18, 2004Copyright: 2004 Northern StarContact: editor northernstar.infoWebsite: http://www.star.niu.edu/Cannabis News Hemp Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/hls.htmCannabisNews Hemp Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/hemp.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 21, 2004 at 08:03:15 PT
Related Article from Northern Star
Board Asks State for Legalized HempThursday, October 21, 2004Nina Gougis - Staff ReporterCounty wants industrial variety for researchers.A Wednesday decision by the DeKalb County Board could make it easier for DeKalb farmers to grow industrial hemp. The voted to ask the state to allow growth of industrial hemp for research. Hemp, a member of the cannabis family and a relative of marijuana, could increase crop productivity by replacing depleted nitrogen in the soil caused by lack of crop rotation, according to the Hemp Industries Association Web site. The plant also has a wide variety of uses, including the production of paper, clothing, foods and body-care products. Board Chairman Dennis Sands was the only member to object to the resolution. He said he is concerned that hemp will be mixed with bags of marijuana and used as drug because it contains tetrahydracannibinol, THC. “I believe that any board should not be promoting illegal substances,” Sands said. Board member Julia Fauci argued that hemp does not contain enough psychoactive ingredients to create a drug-like effect. The growth of hemp is illegal in Illinois. If approved by the state, the University of Illinois would be allowed to grow the crop for research. http://www.star.niu.edu/articles/?id=1186
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Comment #1 posted by ekim on October 18, 2004 at 07:59:56 PT
Illinois could be leader in New Hemp Industry
on C-Span was the debate for Sen. of Illinois. Between Obama and Keyes. Both bent over backwards to suck up to the farmer. Saying how valued they are to the State and Country. One wonders why no Cannabis bill has been passed with the State having a new Gov. and no mention of the DEA loosing the fight to ban this plant.Today C-Span mentioned the Med Cannabis issue in Or. both pro and con. if you feel like adding to the debate please call in to C-Span on Dir TV its ch 350 live call in show every day from 7am to 10 am. to support Dems the phone number is 202-737-0002 there is one for supporting Bush and one for others. http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10526.shtml 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. 
http://www.aammi.org
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