Pubdate: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
Source: Quad-City Times (IA)
Copyright: 2001 Quad-City Times
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Author: Nancy Chesley

HEMP BILL CLEARS ONE TEST

SPRINGFIELD -- Supporters of plans to test an alternative crop for 
Illinois farmers leapt a major hurdle Tuesday, but others remain 
before industrial hemp takes root in the state.

The Illinois House passed legislation 67-47 that would approve 
studies at two state universities aimed at determining whether the 
plant could have a productive future in farm fields. The studies 
would be conducted through the agriculture departments at the 
University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana and Southern Illinois 
University-Carbondale.

Federal permits must be secured because it is illegal to grow 
industrial hemp. Federal and state laws do not distinguish between 
the plant and its better-known cousin, marijuana. Both share the 
botanical name cannabis sativa.

A second hurdle is money. Rep. I. Ronald Lawfer, R-Stockton, said it 
could cost up to $1 million to establish the test plots and monitor 
results. The Legislature still must vote to pay the bills.

Fencing would need to go up at SIU to protect the site. The 
University of Illinois has a secure site already, Lawfer, a sponsor 
of the legislation, said.

Lawfer is an enthusiastic supporter of industrial hemp. He cited a 
plethora of products made from the plant in other countries where it 
is grown.

Anti-drug activists have charged that the measure desensitizes people 
to the menace of illegal drugs. Their concerns and opposition of the 
Illinois State Police won over some representatives from largely 
agricultural districts.

"Agriculture is important in my district, however, I don't think it's 
the right direction to go," said Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, who 
voted against the idea. "It's opening the door."

The measure goes to the governor, who has not taken a position.
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