Letter: Industrial, Medicinal Hemp Good For State Budget Woes
Brian J. Murphy
January 26, 2009
The Maui News (HI)
A recent article described Gov. Linda Lingle as "willing to discuss everything to help solve the state's budget woes." While some people are considering gambling as a source of revenue, we should also study the economic benefits of industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana.
The economic benefits of industrial hemp are far too numerous to rehash here. Do an Internet search and you will be amazed to learn that such a valuable crop is regulated in such a draconian fashion. Perhaps the exemption during World War II could serve as a model for an economic recovery exemption.
Another rescue from our economic troubles can be found in the debate surrounding medical marijuana. Maui County Citizens For Democracy In Action has proposed a family farm program designed to provide licensed patients safe access to medical grade cannabis. These farms would establish quality control, provide safety from the black market and create the jobs and tax base that could conceivably save these islands.
The desperation and immediacy of our economic challenges have prompted Gov. Lingle to consider once-opposed ideas in the belief that we should not take anything off the table. Of all the many ideas we will hear, perhaps we should consider the win-win propositions first. | 
