"Virginia's Vision"

WHEREAS, innovative work with industrial hemp by Canada and the European Community, has prompted increased interest in the economic viability of industrial hemp; and
WHEREAS, industrial hemp's three principle raw materials, fiber, hurds, and seeds, are used to produce textiles, rope, cellulose plastics, resin, particle board, paper products, and oil; and
WHEREAS, the histories of the U.S. and Virginia are replete with examples of the utility of and dependence on industrial hemp, which was legally cultivated in Virginia and in many other states until the late 1930s; and
WHEREAS, the American Farm Bureau Federation, representing 4.6 million farmers, passed a unanimous resolution urging research into "the viability and economic potential" of hemp; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. DEA correctly states it turns down no applications, however, no successful applicant has ever cultivated hemp, due to the excessive restrictions placed on the required permit; and
WHEREAS, determining the economic viability of the commercial cultivation and use of industrial hemp in Virginia clearly requires experimental cultivation of the crop; and
WHEREAS, a national organization has been formed to (a) provide information; (b) broaden the base of support; and (c) promote research and development of industrial hemp and the recommercialization of the crop in the U.S.;
Be it resolved by the Virginia legislature that the federal government be urged to revise the necessary regulations so as to permit the controlled, experimental cultivation of industrial hemp in Virginia.

The senate voted 40-0 to pass this resolution.

End cannabis hemp prohibition!

May 2002
© 2002 kgs