Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jan 2001
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 2001 The State Journal-Register
Contact:  P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705-0219
Fax: (217) 788-1551
Website: http://www.sj-r.com/
Author: Deborah Rudolph

HEMP HAS POTENTIAL TO BE A GREAT NATURAL RESOURCE

Dear Editor,

I feel it is our right, and our obligation to us and our future to grow 
industrial hemp.  Our forefathers, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, 
did.  The first draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on 
it.  And, if I remember reading correctly, it was mandatory to grow the 
crop for World War II.  Still standing northwest of Springfield are fields 
left over from better days.

Hemp grown for industrial use is very low in THC (the psychoactive chemical 
in marijuana) -- less than .03 percent -- thus making industiral hemp 
useless as a drug.  One acre if hemp will produce as much raw pulp for 
paper as two to four acres of trees.  It takes trees years to grow until 
they can be harvested for paper.  Hemp is ready to be harvested 120 days 
after it is planted.

Hemp doesn't need any chemicals, pesticides or herbicides to grow so we 
won't pollute our own water.  Hemp has enormous potential to become a major 
natural resource that can benefit the economy and our environment.  In my 
view, hemp is the future for a better environment.

Deborah Rudolph

Springfield
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