Press Release Source: U.S. Newswire San Francisco -- The main fiscal sponsor of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) landmark court victory against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) protecting sales of hemp foods in the United States learned this week they won another legal battle. Ruling under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered the DEA to pay $21,265 to Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps(r) to compensate them for a portion of their legal fees in HIA vs. DEA. "The EAJA allows an award of attorneys fees in this situation only where the court finds the Government's position was not 'substantially justified,' " said Joe Sandler, HIA's counsel in the case. "By making this award, the Court has basically decided that DEA's attempt to outlaw hemp foods never had any real legal merit." Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps uses hemp oil in all their soaps and also makes AlpSnack(r), an organic hemp food bar which has become popular since the legal battle ended in September 2004. "We are very pleased to recoup a portion of the costs associated in fighting off the DEA's illegal attempt to ban nutritious hemp seed," said David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. "We plan to use the money to fund industrial hemp studies in Canada as well as legislative efforts to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp in the United States. Hemp seed for foods on account of its omega-3 content is the immediate market driver building economies of scale; we're also supporting hemp fiber research and applications as a substitute for timber in paper and fiberglass in composites." Dr. Bronner's has pledged $100,000 this year to hemp related projects, and in general devotes at least a third of before-tax income to various progressive charities and causes. Hemp Foods are Safe and Nutritious -- DEA Rules Were Ridiculous Hemp seed is one of the most perfect nutritional resources in all of nature. In addition to its excellent flavor profile, the seed meat protein supplies all essential amino acids in an easily digestible form and with a high protein efficiency ratio. But most importantly, hemp seed and oil offer high concentrations of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) in a perfect ratio of the omega- 3/omega-6 acids. EFA's are the "good fats" that doctors recommend as part of a healthy, balanced diet. This superior nutritional profile makes hemp nut (shelled seed) and oil ideal for a wide range of functional food applications and as an effective fatty acid supplement. Not surprisingly, hemp nut and oil are increasingly used in natural food products, such as breads, frozen waffles, cereals, nutrition bars, meatless burgers and salad dressings. Contact: Adam Eidinger, 202-744-2671 Complete Title: Court Orders Drug Enforcement Administration to Pay Hemp Industry Plaintiff's Legal Bills; Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps to Receive $21,265 Reimbursement Newshawk: Jose Melendez Source: U.S. Newswire (Wire) Published: February 2, 2005 Copyright: 2005 U.S. Newswire Contact: info@usnewswire.com Website: http://www.usnewswire.com/