Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Not advocating marijuana use

Not advocating marijuana use

Jan 18, 2008 - 04:05:26 CST

By TIFFANY THRASHER
Bismarck

There have only been letters to the editor expressing opposition to the legalization of hemp, but there should also be a letter explaining the advantages of legalizing hemp growth in North Dakota.

The main argument that is keeping the crop from being legalized is that federal law considers hemp the same as marijuana, and by allowing it, they feel they would be legalizing a drug. While hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant, they are different variations of the plant. Hemp contains less than 1 percent THC, and it is impossible to get a high from it.

In no way does the legalization of hemp growth advocate the growth or distribution of marijuana.

By allowing farmers to grow the crop, they would provide another source of income. This would circulate more money into our economy, which may help with the forecast recession.

Legalizing hemp is also beneficial from an environmental standpoint.

Hemp can be used to make products such as clothes, jewelry, lotion, chapstick and bread. It provides organic substitutes for things that otherwise harm our environment. Currently, hemp is more expensive than those alternatives, but legalizing it would make it more common and therefore less expensive. This would leave people more likely to purchase environmentally friendly items.

It is argued that too many people oppose the plan so it will not be brought to Congress, but many farmers and consumers disagree. Sen. Kent Conrad stated that he would like to bring it to Congress, but he does not believe his opinion matters. It does matter because it is his job to represent the citizens of North Dakota and many of us think it would be beneficial.

Even if the plan were to be denied, at least we would know that it was attempted, which is better than not trying at all.

Those who oppose this proposition say hemp should not be allowed because it resembles marijuana instead of corn or soybeans.

Then maybe we should outlaw Tylenol because it resembles prescription pills. Better yet, should baking soda be outlawed because it has the appearance of cocaine?

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Comments

R. Graff wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Miss Thrasher is informed and eloquent. We should be proud of students who are actively involved in trying to make changes in government. Bravo! "

RLC wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:44 PM:

" This article states: "While hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant, they are different variations of the plant. Hemp contains less than 1 percent THC, and it is impossible to get a high from it." The thing is, (and I'm assuming this statement is true, I don't know) you just KNOW there is some stoner out there who's going to go into a field and try to "harvest" some and get irritated that they don't get high. I wonder how much of a field would end up "lost" due to idiots trying to use it to get high. *laugh* "

VoteThemOut wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:17 AM:

" Our State legislators passed hemp legislation, our governor and State Ag commission supports hemp, the farmers want hemp, and the citizens of this nation will benefit from its production. So why don’t we have hemp in North Dakota? Because our representatives in Washington DC, Dorgan, Conrad, and Pomeroy, do not have the guts to do their job and present legislation in Congress. They are not representing our State’s wishes in this matter and they need to go because of it. Vote them out. "

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