Pubdate: Wed, 10 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 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry F