CONCORD -- The House voted yesterday to allow farmers to grow hemp -- a close relative of marijuana -- despite federal hurdles to planting the controversial crop.

Several local lawmakers said they voted against the bill because of opposition from law enforcement agencies.

State Rep. Paul Hopfgarten, R-Derry, was among those who opposed the measure, saying he "didn't see the necessity of doing this until we are clearer on the issues about how ( marijuana and hemp ) are different." Supporters argue 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, concrete 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," Owen said. He argued it would provide a niche crop for the state's farmers. 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.

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.

Several legislators refused to back the bill because it lacked the support of the law enforcement community. Atkinson police Chief Philip Consentino said he would "definitely be against growing any form of marijuana for any purpose at all. It's strictly taboo." (what a real moron)

State Rep. Charlie McMahon, R-Windham, voted against the bill, saying he felt the opposition from law enforcement had merit.

Mary Griffin, another Windham Republican, agreed. "Law enforcement doesn't support it, and current federal law will curtail the permits. I think this bill was premature. I don't think any licenses will be issued even if it's passed," she said.

Richard Cooney, R-Salem, who also opposed the legislation, said similar bills have been introduced in the past, with arguments being made on both sides. Meanwhile, Milford Republican Ryan Hansen insisted New Hampshire should wait until federal rules are changed to permit the crop. (then we can wait forever)

"The problem with this bill is it isn't going to allow farmers to grow hemp," Hansen said.

 HempFarm.com Comments: The problem is that Republican lawmakers are completely ignorant about hemp and therefore they lump it in with 'Marijuana' and are 'against it.' They also side with the police without knowing why. Is this smart? Ignorance is king in America, especially among lazy politicians! Marijuana is only dangerous because John Walters says so and this is a patent lie! In the continued lying about these subjects these men are deluding the American people and are a disservice to their country!

Hemp was made illegal in 1937 through a conspiracy of prominent industrials and because of the perjury, lies and blasphemy of a man named Harry J. Anslinger.