By Norma Love, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press Concord, N.H. -- The House voted Wednesday to allow farmers to grow hemp - a close relative of marijuana - despite federal hurdles to planting the controversial crop. Supporters argued that hemp, which has a very low content of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has unfairly been characterized as the same as marijuana. “This is not marijuana. This is hemp,†insisted Hopkinton Democrat Derek Owen, who added that hemp has been grown for thousands of years. Hemp, known for its strong fiber, is used in a wide range of products, including clothing, canvas, rope, fiberglass, insulation, automobile clutch- and brake-liners, cement and paper. It can be grown legally in other countries, including Canada and China. “Hemp is one of the oldest, most useful plants known to man,†said Owen. Owen argued it would provide a niche crop for the state's farmers. But opponents said hemp should be considered as dangerous to children as marijuana and remain outlawed. When young, hemp leaves can cause a similar hallucinogenic effect to marijuana, argued Merrimack Republican Peter Batula. “We don't need fields of this marijuana plant out there for picking at harvest time,†said Batula. Milford Republican Ryan Hansen argued New Hampshire should wait until federal rules are changed to permit the crop. “The problem with this bill is it isn't going to allow farmers to grow hemp,†said Hansen. Hemp can be grown only with permission from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Last fall, a hemp research project in Hawaii was shut down after it ran out of money and turned in its permit to the DEA. The bill would let farmers grow hemp after obtaining a permit. The state would issue licenses to grow hemp and be the sole supplier of the seed. The state also would regulate the industry. People with criminal records involving drug offenses within 10 years would not qualify for a permit. The 199-168 vote sent the bill to the Senate. Facts About Hemp: * Hemp is a close relative of marijuana; both are classified scientifically as cannabis sativa. * Hemp generally is defined as cannabis sativa containing less than 1 percent THC, the mind-altering chemical in marijuana. The National Institute for Drug Abuse defines marijuana as cannabis sativa containing more than 3 percent THC. * There are more than 400 varieties of cannabis. * Hemp, known for its strong fiber, is used in a wide range of products, including clothing, canvas, rope, fiberglass, insulation, automobile clutch- and brake-liners, cement and paper. * Hemp seeds are considered a health food rich in essential amino acids. * Hemp seeds can be pressed for oil, which is used in skin lotions, shampoos, soap and cosmetics. * In Russia, hemp butter is considered superior to peanut butter. * Hemp is a stalky plant that typically reaches heights of 8 feet to 12 feet. * Hemp was brought to South America from Spain in 1545. The first use of hemp in North America is attributed to the Puritans in New England, who used it with flax to produce cloth. * Hemp can be grown legally in other countries, including Canada and China. On The Net: Hemp Industries Association: http://www.thehia.org/ North American Industrial Hemp Council: http://www.naihc.org/ Source: Associated Press (Wire) Author: Norma Love, Associated Press Writer Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Associated Press Link to article: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread20397.shtml