Pubdate: Tue, 11 Nov 2003
Source: Varsity, The (CN ON Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Varsity
Contact:  http://www.thevarsity.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2663
Author: Giovanni Borla

HOORAY FOR HEMP

Re: From cannabis to carburetor, (Oct. 30)

Fascinating perspective, fascinating article. Unfortunately, that's not the 
direction of the current USA administration. Unfortunately, the hemp plant 
also produces (oops) marijuana.

Medical marijuana, which offers unique benefits in countless medical 
conditions, can be grown anywhere by anyone at little cost, and is 
non-patentable, scares the living daylights out of Big Pharma.

Did I hear that Mr. Bush received in 2000 some 500,000 dollars (US) from 
the pharmaceutical industry? And hemp and cellulose scare many more big 
industries: textiles, paper, oil, and chemicals.

I wonder how much Mr. Bush got and/or is getting as electoral funds from 
which other sources?

I hope Canada resists the current pressure from south of the border about 
the legislation on marijuana (read hemp). Italy is further away, but far 
from away enough.

Giovanni Borla

Milano, Italy
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