Paul, Frank Introduce Hemp Legalization Bill

[kpete]

Source: Washington Independent

Paul, Frank Introduce Hemp Legalization Bill
By Mike Lillis 4/3/09 1:28 PM

Yesterday, in fact.

Sponsored by Reps. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the bill would allow U.S. farmers to grow industrial, non-psychoactive hemp, which manufacturers use for everything from soap to shoes to car upholstery. Current law allows hemp to be imported, but not cultivated domestically.

Introducing the bill on the House floor yesterday, Paul says that prohibition is a mistake, particularly in a difficult economy.

It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has stood in the way of American farmers, including many who are struggling to make ends meet, competing in the global industrial hemp market. Indeed, the founders of our Nation, some of whom grew hemp, would surely find that Federal restrictions on farmers growing a safe and profitable crop on their own land are inconsistent with the constitutional guarantee of a limited, restrained Federal Government.

Aside from Paul and Frank, nine other House lawmakers have signed on their support, seven Democrats and two Republicans.


Read more: http://washingtonindependent.com/37267/paul-frank-introduce-hemp-legalization-bill#more-37267

[sazemisery]

1. The Constitution is written on hemp. n/t

edited for writing "printed" instead of "written".

[troubleinwinter]

11. Actually, it is not.

It was drafted on hemp paper, but the Constitution is written on parchment. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp.

[sazemisery]

12. Thanks for correcting me.

My bad.:+

[fascisthunter]

17. ah... that's right

I forget that too

[Mz Pip]

2. Oh boy, this should be good.

I can't wait for Michelle Bachmann to claim help clothing will get you high and make you crazy.

Wasn't there some bill a while back that banned chips from being cooked in hemp oil? Someone would have to eat a ton of chips to get a buzz but the loonies didn't seem to get that fact.

[tridim]

3. How would Bachmann quantify "crazy"?

Seriously, her frame of reference is 180 degrees out of whack.

I'm sure you're right though. All the fundy nutjobs (from non-farming states of course) will scream bloody murder at this bill because we shouldn't be growing the "devil weed".

[Soylent Brice]

4. the hemp/marijuana moevement has seen quite a surge since the new admin arrived...

let's hope this trend continues.

[the other one]

5. Despite OUR president openly mocking us...

and by extension the entire on-line community that supported him.

[pjt7]

6. The President came off like a fool

for saying legalizing marijuanna could not help the economy. He's lucky there was not any in-depth discussion on this. There will be going forward & I hope he is honest about the pro's & con's & puts it out to the people, to decide.

As fare as Cong. Frank & Paul's bill, Hemp is a very usefull crop & has had historic benefits for our Country.

Canadian hemp farmers are doing very well for themselves.

[lfairban]

9. He was illadvised on several levels.

If Obama signs this into law, he is officially off my SL.

[Gen. Jack D. Ripper]

7. There is no good reason NOT to grow hemp

There's no GOOD reason for cannabis to be illegal for ANY use, but one step at a time.

[fascisthunter]

18. it is one more step

[emmadoggy]

8. Great news!

Hope it has legs.

[harmonicon]

10. god, I hope this passes

Having hemp farming be illegal because it's related to marijuana is like making it illegal to have a house cat as a pet, because it's related to a tiger.

Legalizing hemp production could do wonders for the economy. I really hope that sanity prevails in this one.

[Merlot]

13. I start my day with hemp granola

It's quite tasty. Wonder where they import the hemp from. How silly, hemp has nothing to do with MJ and getting high. I hope this legislation passes. I would guess Obama would sign it.

People starting their day with a big cuppa java get a big buzz.

[Terry in Austin]

14. Yesss!

A damn "miracle crop" we've been denying ourselves for too long.

One thing that's not usually included in its long list of virtues: it makes terrific charcoal -- there's more wood in it (lignin) than there is in wood.

Here's hoping!

[juajen]

15. It makes too much sense; hence, no deal.

I have waited in vain for common sense to prevail on this controversial subject. It shouldn't even be controversial. Many industries used their power to prevent this very good crop from being grown in the US; mainly, the paper industry, cotton industry, well, you name it. Hemp is a fantastic crop and can be grown almost anywhere. It is drought resistant and from what I've read, can be grown as easily in South Dakota as in Louisiana. It would be a boon to small family farmers. This country needs this crop at this time; but, I have no doubt it will be shot down.

[MelissaB]

16. K&R for good news!

:kick: