Pubdate: Wed, 01 Jul 1998 Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Page: Editorial Contact: http://www.kentuckyconnect.com/heraldleader/ HEMP AN OPPORTUNITY The Herald-Leader has done a very good job of trying to educate the public of the merits of growing industrial hemp. There are more than 20,000 uses of hemp. It is not a drug. It contains less than one percent of the active ingredient, THC, that makes pot smokers high. Marijuana plants contain 10 percent of 20 percent THC. There is a fantastic opportunity for the farmers of Kentucky to have anew crop. Those bashing the tobacco industry have no concept of the economic damage their course of action will have throughout the commonwealth. I sincerely hope the state of Kentucky does not sit by and watch Canada, England, France and China supply hemp materials to this country without letting our farmers do the same. Connie Clinkinbeard Lexington, KY - ---