Efforts in Springfield to legalize industrial hemp in Illinois continue. For much of the 20th Century, policymakers believed that by legalizing industrial hemp production, they were legalizing marijuana. The only thing gained from smoking industrial hemp is a headache. Industrial hemp has tens of thousands of uses – from textiles, paper, clothing, biofuels, plastic, and more. The Declaration of Independence and many copies of the Bible have been printed on hemp paper. The cultivation of industrial hemp has been prohibited in the United States since 1970’s Controlled Substance Act. 74th District State Representative Dan Swanson’s legislation would allow farmers to apply for permits to grow industrial hemp. Swanson says “This is hemp for the farmers, this isn’t marijuana. And as I talk to ag people – I compare it to sweet corn and field corn: (they are) two completely different crops, but they look alike. I support hemp. My grandfather used to grow hemp back in the (World War II) war effort. It gives us another opportunity as a farmer to diversify another crop.” He added that it’s an opportunity for an increase in jobs and an opportunity for students to study another ag product. Industrial hemp production for commercial uses is legal in 16 states and 31 countries. Swanson’s measure won approval in the Illinois House.
