http://www.huffingtonpost.c...25106.html
An excerpt from this article reads: "The introduction of the bill was led by Polis as well as Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), all vocal supporters of hemp policy reform.
Ironically, the U.S. is the world's largest consumer of hemp products, but is the only major industrialized country that outlaws domestic hemp production.
Hemp comes from Cannabis sativa, the same plant species as marijuana. However, hemp contains little to no THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana associated with the "high" sensation."
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If, after reading this article, you feel compelled to contact your elected officials, please do. I contacted Senators Burr and Hagan, and Rep. Foxx, last year. I plan to contact Sen. Tillis on the subject, as well.
The following is a portion of Sen. Hagan's reply, received on June 13:
"Thank you for contacting me regarding the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important issue.
On February 14, 2013, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013 (S. 359) was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana. The bill also grants those states that allow the growing and processing of industrial hemp authority over any criminal, civil action, or administrative proceedings related to industrial hemp in their jurisdictions.
Farmers in more than 30 countries grow hemp commercially for fiber, seed and oil used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including food. I understand your thoughts regarding industrial hemp farming, and I will keep your thoughts and opinions in mind as this legislation is further considered in the United States Senate."
The following is a portion of Rep. Foxx's reply, received on January 7.
"Thank you for contacting me in opposition to H.R. 4432, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, and in support of legalizing industrial hemp. It is important for me to hear from constituents and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.
We agree about the importance of the American public having the ability to know what is in their food. As H.R. 4432 was not considered in the House prior to adjourning for the end of the 113th Congress, it will have to be reintroduced in the 114th Congress to be active legislation. Rest assured, I will keep your opposition in mind as the House considers relevant legislation in the future.
As you know from previous correspondence, it is my belief that drug addiction is one of the largest challenges we face in this country and I will continue to oppose any effort to make it easier for people to grow and use drugs. Rest assured, I have noted your support for legalizing industrial hemp and will keep your views in mind should relevant legislation come before the House for a vote during the 114th Congress."
