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California Hemp-Legalization Bill Faces Law Enforcement Criticism

Assembly Bill 684, the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act, makes its way through the California Legislature, but not everyone is happy about it. Some drug enforcement officials claim that their il

California Hemp-Legalization Bill Faces Law Enforcement Criticism

Alison St John (Guest Host): Maybe you've seen the hemp cereals in the whole food store, or the hemp and cotton clothes in the boutiques. But you won’t see hemp growing in the fields, not in California.

Hemp is banned from agricultural production in the United States because it looks too much like marijuana. Law enforcement officials are adamantly opposed to legalizing hemp cultivation, in spite of the fact that its fibers, seeds and oils are already being legally imported to make numerous products sold in U.S. stores.

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Are American farmers being denied the chance to grow a legal cash crop that is making money for farmers in Canada and Europe?

State Assemblyman Mark Leno wants to change the law. He has a bill to legalize cultivation of hemp in California, and the bill stands a good chance of making it to Governor Schwarzenegger's desk.
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A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.