[Vision2020] Update on Industrial Hemp from Rep. Trail

[ttrail at moscow.com]

Constituents:
 
Many of your have inquired why I did not bring forth my legislation to
encourage the State of Idaho to endorse the legalization of growing
industrial hemp.   Industrial hemp was a major crop in colonial times, and
for 150 years farmers in the state of Virginia paid taxes with their hemp.
  The first American flag was made from industrial hemp as were the first
Strauss Levis.   In 1847 Brigham Young encouraged Mormon farmers to go
forth and grow industrial hemp.   Henry Ford used industrial hemp to make
paneling for his Model T Fords and also made biofuel to run test vehicles.
  This is an environmental sound crop whose roots grow 12-15 feet deep, has
no need for pesticides or fertilizer, and grows so tall that practically no
weeds can grow in the field.   In Britain, law enforcement is encouraging
the growing of industrial hemp to control marijuana.   The cross
pollinization dramatically reduces the quality of marijuana.
 
The U.S. hemp market has experienced study growth since 2000.  Food, body
care, paper products, clothing, textiles, cordage and other items are
currently widely available in the U. S. marketplace.   The estimated value
of hemp products sold in the U.S. in 2007 is $350 million.  The U.S. is the
only country in the world that prohibits the growing of industrial hemp.  
This has a long history going back to 1937 and infamous hemp stamp tax
which was promoted by Dupont with Congress to eliminate a competing fiber.
  The Drug Enforcement Agency in the late 50's and 60's demonized
industrial hemp as the twin evil with marijuana.   The THC content (which
gives the kick to smokers) in industrial hemp is so low that you'd have to
build a cigar the size of a telephone pole to get a kick.   New French
varieties of industrial hemp are THC free,  but DEA still forbids their
production in the U.S.  Recently scientists have stated that industrial
hemp would be a ideal candidate for biomass production of ethanol.
 
Congress has failed to meaningfully act on HR 1009 which would give states
the right to regulate hemp farming.  But there is a growing opportunity
that there will be first ever hearing on hemp this Spring if supported by
the new head of the Department of Agriculture, Edwin Schafer, who as the
former Governor of North Dakota signed a hemp farming bill in 1999.  With
this opportunity, and the support of former presidential candidate Dennis
Kucinich who has indicated he would hold hearings, the excitement around
the hemp issue could catch fire in 2008.
 
The numerous efforts around the nation in local governments to allow hemp
farming also build pressure for action at the federal level.  In Vermont, a
landmark hemp farming bill has passed out of Committee and is now in the
State House.  North Dakota's Ag Commissioner continues to support would be
hemp farmers by renewing state hemp farming licenses for 2008.
 
Looking back, there have been dozens of hemp bills that have failed since
2000.  Most notable were California Governor Schwarzennegger's vetos in 06
and 07.  Hemp advocacy is challenged by those at high levels who fear a
false and misguided image of non-drug industrial hemp and thus ignore the
plant's great virtues.
 
One the legal front, in November, the case of two certified North Dakotan
hemp farmers was dismissed in the lower federal court.  The case is now
being appealed to the U. S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.  While appeal in
this court is not expected to succeed, based on the court's known political
leanings, losing at this level will lead to a rare chance to have the case
heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.  If heard by the Supreme Court, it would
be the first case of its kind.
 
On February 1, 2008 two North Dakota farmers who received the nation's
first state licenses to grow industrial hemp have been granted renewals,
though forces outside the state will largely decide whether the farmers
will ever get a crop in the ground.  David Monson and Wayne Hauge had state
licenses in hand last year but never got approval from the federal DEA. 
This year, they are hoping for a favorable ruling from the 8th U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals, a change of heart by the DEA or action by Congress.  None
is likely by the Spring planting season.
 
Representative Tom Trail



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