During the 110th Congress, Representative Ron Paul of Texas introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 (H.R. 1009), which would pave the way for commercial cultivation of hemp in the United States. The proposed measure would amend the Controlled Substance Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana and grant states the authority to permit industrial hemp production and processing.

Proponents of H.R. 1009 argue that industrial hemp is a useful and beneficial crop. They also point out that more than 30 countries around the world grow the crop commercially for fiber, seed, and oil that is used in a variety of products.

Critics of the measure contend that state governments lack the resources to effectively monitor hemp production and prevent individuals from growing cannabis plants containing the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 did not come up for a vote before the 110th Congress adjourned. I will keep your views in mind in case this or related legislation is considered by the Senate in the future.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
April 29, 2009