FARMERS REJECT HEMP

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 14 — U.S. farmers decided today to just say no to
research into industrial hemp, a cousin of marijuana. On a 198-168 vote,
delegates to the American Farm Bureau convention went on record against
production of industrial hemp and eliminated language in favor of research
into it. "Don't take the good name of Farm Bureau and associate it with
these people," said Missouri Farm Bureau president Charles Kruse, who
complained the AFB, the largest U.S. farm organization, was being linked
with groups like National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws. "If we
say we support research, we are going to continue to be used," he said.

Possibility of Profits Bill Sprague, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau,
said hemp might be a profitable crop. Hemp has adherents in Kentucky who
see it as the successor to tobacco. The Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative
Association, which supports international research, had a booth at the
trade fair held as part of the AFB convention. "We should at least continue
to do some research work," Sprague said. Industrial hemp, which contains
virtually none of the mood- altering drug produced by marijuana, has
excited interest as a fabric for apparel and furnishings, as well as its
traditional use in rope and canvas. It has a wider color range and a more
durable fiber than other natural textiles, proponents say.

Law Enforcement Police worry that hemp cultivation would confound drug-law
enforcement because hemp looks like marijuana, Kruse said. While most
delegates shared Kruse's distaste for hemp, one asked if grain research
should end because it can be converted into alcohol, misused by some people.

Copyright 1998 Reuters.