Pubdate: Mon, 27 Sep 2010 Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA) Page: A - 13 Copyright: 2010 John Keane Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1 Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388 Author: John Keane Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n764/a05.html A BOON TO STATE'S HEMP INDUSTRY It's nice to see Debra J. Saunders use her writing skills to back Proposition 19 ("End Prohibition - yes on Proposition 19," Insight, Sept. 19) rather than taking pot shots at President Obama (pun intended). One argument against legalization: Because anyone can grow pot, the state would not see the amount of tax revenue that has been projected. Overlooked is the fact that legalizing pot would also legalize industrial hemp production, which would be a boon to California farmers, start a new industry and create jobs. Hemp production also would make up for any taxes not realized from pot sales. It might cut into the profits enjoyed by synthetic textile, wood and paper interests though. John Keane, Nevada City - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake