HEMP HEADLINES - SEPTEMBER, 1999

Compiled and edited by John E. Dvorak, Hempologist

USA HEMP UPDATE

Vermont, Hawaii, North Dakota and Minnesota have now passed industrial hemp legislation. Illinois has formed a Task Force to look at hemp's potential, while Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Maryland, Iowa, Tennessee and Montana are debating whether they should legalize marijuana's "misunderstood cousin." The California Democratic National Party adopted a resolution supporting hemp, the first time in recent history that a major political party has embraced hemp.

Alterna Applied Research Laboratories, maker of hemp hair care products, donated $200,000 to the University of Hawaii to sponsor America's first hemp test plot in over 50 years. Alterna's hemp leaf billboards can be seen around the Boston area.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR BLASTS THE DRUG WAR

The conservative Republican governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, recently answered the drug question honestly by saying that he had used (and even enjoyed!) marijuana and cocaine. Clean and sober for 12 years, Johnson now runs 10 miles a day and competes in triathlons. "Personally, doing drugs is a bad choice. Don't do drugs," said the governor, a self-made millionaire who was re-elected last year. "But I think a majority of people would agree with the following statement: I don't think people should go to jail for smoking marijuana." Governor Johnson calls the war on drugs "a miserable failure" and has enlisted the League of Women Voters to hold town meetings throughout New Mexico to discuss the drug war and its impact on society.

Mr. Johnson said he opened the debate because he considers the drug problem the biggest issue facing America. "Too many people are being imprisoned, too few addicts are receiving treatment, and children are being fed too much anti-drug propaganda masquerading as education," he added. Johnson's honesty contrasts starkly with the hypocritical mumblings of Texas Governor, and presidential candidate, George W. Bush.

BUMPER CROP OF CANADIAN HEMP EXPECTED

This past spring, Health Canada announced that they would grant over 600 licenses to grow industrial hemp in 1999. Acreage is estimated to be over 20,000 acres, a considerable jump in production from 1998. Of particular note is the fact that up to 1,500 acres of certified organic hemp will be grown this year.

FEDERAL JUDGE DISREGARDS PROP 215: SENTENCES PATIENT TO 27 MONTHS

Vietnam veteran B.E. Smith, the first medical marijuana patient and caregiver to face federal criminal prosecution for growing medical marijuana after the passage of the California Compassionate Use Act of 1996, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Smith was convicted in May of the manufacture and possession of marijuana. His trial was marked by a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to ban all defenses relating to medical marijuana, caregiving, or Proposition 215. Hollywood hempman Woody Harrelson almost landed in jail for contempt by asking Judge Burrell "I'm just wondering why you're keeping the truth from the jury.... How can you sleep at night?" Check out www.besmith.org for the full story.

HEMP FOODS AND COSMETICS MAY BECOME ILLEGAL!!

If the authors of an unreleased study get their way, the above headline may mark the latest chapter in the saga of Reefer Madness. A risk assessment done for Health Canada concludes that hemp products may not be safe because even small amounts of THC may cause developmental problems. Those most at risk, the study says, are children exposed in the womb or through breast milk, or teenagers whose reproductive systems are developing. However, the study has had no peer review or scientific assessment to confirm its conclusions.

HEMPBROKERS.COM TAKES A BITE OUT OF HEMP PRICES

In March, HEMPTECH, a California based Industrial Hemp Information Network, launched HEMPBROKERS.COM with a mission to expand markets for hemp seed products. Their market research indicated that the high price for hulled hemp seeds (hemp nut) was prohibitive and that lower prices would encourage greater use. HEMPBROKERS.COM set up a refrigerated distribution center in Los Angeles County and stocked a range of hemp seed products including hemp nut, hemp oil, hemp meal and roasted hemp seeds.

2 NEW VIDEOS SHOWCASE HEMP

Who says there's nothing good on TV? Two recently released (and reasonably priced) one hour videos, "Emperor of Hemp" and "Hemp, Hemp, Hooray" allow you to learn about hemp in the comfort of your own home.

In "Emperor of Hemp", you'll see how Jack Herer transformed from a closed minded conservative in the Military Police to a free thinker who helped launch America's hemp revival. It is only being sold online, so go to: www.emperorofhemp.com and order your copy.

Another excellent new video, "Hemp Hemp Hooray!" documents the expanding industrial hemp market. This fast paced, fun, and educational glimpse into the burgeoning industrial hemp market contains interviews with several industry leaders. To order "Hemp Hemp Hooray!" contact LB Johnson at: 831-688-0162 or lb@hempvideo.com.

HEMP NEWS ON THE NET

You don't have to wait until next year's Boston Phoenix Freedom Rally special to catch up on the latest hemp news. You can get all the news you can handle on the net at: MARIJUANANEWS.COM, MAPINC.ORG, and THEHIA.ORG. Educate yourself and then educate others!!