Pubdate: Wed, 12 Apr 2000
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 2000 Associated Press
Author: Mark R.  Chellgren, The Associated Press

HEMP DEBATE MAY REVIVE IN TOBACCO MONEY TUSSLE

FRANKFORT, Ky. - House and Senate negotiators reached a tentative agreement 
late Tuesday about how to divide tobacco settlement funds.

The compromise would direct that 35 percent of the proceeds of the 
settlement set aside for agriculture be earmarked for specific counties, 
based on their economic dependence on tobacco.

The remaining 65 percent would be apportioned by a state board with leeway 
to select projects, intiatives and research to benefit all areas of 
agriculture.

"I couldn't tell you we have any rock-solid agreements on anything," said 
Rep. Joe Barrows, D-Versailles, the leader of a House group that wanted 
most of the money going to tobacco counties.

A a new twist to the debate is as yet unresolved - hemp.

Barrows wants the chance to set aside some of the tobacco settlement money 
for research into growing industrial hemp. A bill that would have directed 
such research at Kentucky universities passed the House earlier this 
session but died in the Senate.

Barrows said a new state board that is to be appointed to consider 
agriculture initiatives would have to consider underwriting hemp research. 
Barrows and other supporters believe hemp could become a significant crop 
for beleaguered farmers as a source of fiber and oil.

But there is a problem. "Right now, the status in Kentucky is industrial 
hemp is just as illegal as street marijuana," Barrows said Tuesday.

Both hemp and marijuana contain the narcotic that gives smokers their high, 
though hemp has a much smaller amount. Kentucky and federal law make no 
distinction. Research would have to be approved by federal authorities as well.

Senators are not opposed to hemp research on its own so much as making 
decisions for the state board before it is even appointed.

"The interest of the Senate is keep the money in a larger pool and let the 
board decide," said Sen. David Boswell, D-Owensboro, a former commissioner 
of agriculture.

If the board determines that researching hemp is a good idea, it could do 
so, said Boswell.

The powers and makeup of the board is a critical difference between House 
and Senate tobacco plans. The state could get as much as $3.4 billion over 
the next 25 years in the settlement and half will be set aside for agriculture.

The settlement is by cigarette manufacturers to repay states for the 
health-related costs of smoking.

The Senate wants most of the money to go to broad research, marketing and 
environmental efforts to help all of agriculture. A state board would 
determine what projects and initiatives to finance.

The House version would send two-thirds of the money back to individual 
counties, based on their own economic reliance on tobacco.
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