Sample Letter to Candidates

Date

Dear ______:

I am writing you today to ask your support to allow regulated industrial hemp farming in the U.S. More than 30 countries, including Canada, Germany, England and France, allow their farmers to grow non-psychoactive, low-THC industrial hemp. These countries grow hemp under straightforward regulatory regimes, and have not experienced any problems with diversion for illegal purposes. THC levels are regulated to be 0.3% THC or less so there is no drug potential. If the Bobbies, Gendarmes and Mounties can tell the difference between industrial hemp and marijuana, I am certain that U.S. law enforcement can too.

The U.S. market for hemp products was more than $150 million in 2000, but unfortunately all the products were made from imported hemp. Companies like Ford, Daimler-Chrysler, Interface, Ralph Lauren, Revlon and many others are using hemp in their products, which range from tree-free paper, hemp bio-composite interior car paneling and biodegradable carpet to ecological clothing and luxurious cosmetics. The industry has been growing at a rapid pace despite the limitations of our import-only policy, and this growth is expected to continue. The government should recognize industrial hemp as our allies have and permit the USDA to regulate hemp farming so that the DEA can focus on more pressing problems. The DEA spent $13 million in 2000 to eradicate more than 20 million wild feral hemp plants with no drug value. Is this really a good use of taxpayer funds and scarce law enforcement resources?

Enclosed for your review is the 2002/2003 Vote Hemp Report, which provides an overview of the hemp fiber and seed markets nationally and globally. Farmers in Canada and Europe are allowed to profit from the thriving global hemp market. U.S. farmers deserve the same opportunity. I urge you to work with your colleagues on a bill that would recognize low-THC industrial hemp as a commercial crop under the USDA.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Address
Phone #

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