Regarding the reluctance to legalize the growing of Hemp.

[IDemo]

7. President Obama Signs Farm Bill with Amendment to Allow Industrial Hemp Research

Although I'm not sure what sort of research is required - the facts surrounding the plant and its uses are pretty well established.

But it's a start.

WASHINGTON, DC — Vote Hemp, the nation's leading grassroots hemp advocacy organization working to revitalize industrial hemp production in the U.S., is excited to report that President Obama has signed the Farm Bill which contains an amendment to legalize hemp production for research purposes. Originally introduced by Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO), Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the amendment allows State Agriculture Departments, colleges and universities to grow hemp, defined as the non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis, for academic or agricultural research purposes, but it applies only to states where industrial hemp farming is already legal under state law. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) successfully worked to retain and strengthen the hemp research amendment during the Farm Bill conference committee process. The full text of the bill may be found at: www.VoteHemp.com/FarmBill.

http://www.votehemp.com/PR/2014-02-07-vh_farm_bill_signed.html

So even The Turtle is on board.