Removing hemp products is silly

Effective Feb. 6, the Drug Enforcement Administration has ordered that any food containing hemp be removed from store shelves. Is the DEA responding to a new scientific report linking hemp-related foods to drug abuse? No, Americans are not getting high on their breakfast granola, and their nightly ice cream isn’t serving as a “gateway” to heroin addiction.

DEA officials claim the ban is required by law because hemp and marijuana are derived from the same plant. In fact, the DEA is reinterpreting existing law, and adding new language, to advance a misguided agenda. The DEA makes no distinction between the huge benefits of industrial hemp and the harm caused by marijuana use.

Hemp has been used safely for thousands of years. It has a long tradition in American history, having been used to make food, clothing, paper, even ropes and sails for our naval defense. The hemp industry is inventive and environmentally friendly. Hemp-based foods are nutritious, completely non-hallucinogenic and actually taste good.

The arguments of the DEA lack scientific credibility and contradict sound legal thinking. The DEA seems intent on destroying honest jobs, thereby creating a bizarre black market for hemp waffles, hemp salad dressing and hemp soap. Please write to your elected representatives to demand that the DEA abandon this asinine order.

Everett

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