Tobacco Substitute

I read with interest the March 7 article concerning the decline in the demand for tobacco and its effect on tobacco farmers of Kentucky. Historically (that is, prior to 1937), tobacco farmers actually had an alternative crop to which they turned when prices declined: industrial hemp. The potential for an entire new industry presents itself, and it is only through the ignorance of our legislators that it is being wasted. All of the products that can be derived from this plant, with no significant available THC, would take several volumes to enumerate. In addition, it requires almost no fertilizer or pesticides and is immeasurably kinder to an environment ravaged by our attempts to overcome nature.

The legalization of industrial hemp, now being pursued by Canada, England, etc., should be a high priority.

MICHAEL P. ACORD

Harbor City