Pubdate: Sun, 07 Jan 2001 Source: Quad-City Times (IA) Copyright: 2001 Quad-City Times Contact: 500 E. Third St., Davenport, IA 52801 Fax: (319) 383-2370 Feedback: http://www.qctimes.com/write_edletter/writeletter.html Website: http://www.qctimes.com/ Author: Nancy Chesley, Quad-City Times Springfield Bureau HEMP CROP STUDY COMES UP FOR VOTE IN ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD - Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton, hopes his fellow representatives will agree that industrial hemp is not marijuana and should be researched as a possible alternative crop for farmers. He is sponsoring legislation that would authorize a study of the crop under very controlled conditions in the agricultural departments at the University of Illinois at Urbana and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The topic has drawn controversy because industrial hemp is biologically akin to marijuana. Both have the same botanical name, cannabis sativa. Supporters say industrial hemp could benefit farmers as a third crop to rotate with corn and soybeans in their fields, helping to reduce plant disease. Lawfer said the leafy stalks can be grown with little or no pesticides, another environmental advantage. The studies would determine ideal varieties and growing conditions. But first the schools would have to secure federal permits. Laws in the United States do not distinguish between marijuana and industrial hemp, making it illegal to cultivate either. Currently it's illegal to have cannabis of any type. Anti-drug groups fear permitting industrial hemp is a step toward legalizing marijuana. Police oppose the legislation, saying it sends young people a confusing message. Capt. Dave Sanders of the Illinois State Police said growing industrial hemp as a crop would make it harder to enforce the law. Now when police stop someone with marijuana, "you can pretty much look at it and have some idea. What if the person says, 'No, it's hemp.' " Sanders said police would have to submit a sample to a laboratory, heaping additional testing onto what the state police's eight labs already perform. Lawfer said legislators don't want to appear soft on crime, yet he sees this as an agricultural issue. "This does not legalize marijuana. It doesn't even legalize industrial hemp. The bill is strictly a study to see if it's an economic and viable crop." He said the research could uncover ways to reduce or eliminate the already-low level of THC in industrial hemp. THC is the chemical that causes marijuana users to get high. Industrial hemp is grown in other countries, including neighboring Canada. It is used in a multitude of products, from building materials to cooking oil to clothing. Usually the Illinois Department of Agriculture promotes any new opportunities for farmers to boost income or broaden markets. However, it has adopted a neutral position on industrial hemp legislation. "It could possibly be of benefit to some individual producers," said John Herath, agency spokesman. "But as for an overall economic impact on agriculture in Illinois, it's probably not there." The Senate passed the measure 49-9 last year, but it failed twice in the House. Lawfer said he expected another vote Monday or Tuesday when the Legislature returns to complete unfinished business before new and re-elected senators and representatives are sworn in Wednesday. If Lawfer gets his vote, he should have enough support to win passage. In November, the last time the measure came up, it received 69 votes. That was two votes short to pass it then, but more than the 60 required for passage in January. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D