By Ben Masel, Washington Post
Editorial
In response to:
Maryland Authorizes the Production of Hemp, Friday, May 19, 2000
In a May 19 Metro story, The Post reported: "Other than Maryland, only Hawaii, North Dakota and Minnesota have laws allowing hemp production. All were passed last year. Both Minnesota and North Dakota allow farmers statewide to grow hemp."
But Wisconsin has always allowed farmers to grow hemp. In the 1930s, the legislature imposed a $100 permit, which was last issued in 1958. Unlike Canada and U.S. states with more recent laws, Wisconsin law distinguishes hemp from marijuana by use, rather than by genetic variety.
Ben Masel, Madison, Wisconsin
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