ben.droz@mail.house.gov

Here is what one email looked like. I generally send about a dozen a day, customized to varying extents.
I would like to talk with you a bit about industrial hemp, a highly sustainable and profitable commercial crop for farmers.

Missouri is a state that has introduced hemp legislation five times, all before 2000. Since then, Missouri has not introduced legislation for fear that it will be shot down due to the conflict with federal law.

In 2002, Rep. Lacy co-signed a Dear Colleague letter (also attached), which helped us win the lawsuit of HIA (Hemp Industries Association) v DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in 2004. Since then, many states have introduced and passed pro-hemp legislation.

Generally, I would like to reinstate rep. Lacy's support for industrial hemp. Specifically, we are currently looking for additional support for HR 1009, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007. The bill puts commercial hemp farming in the jurisdiction of state law; for example, 15 states have already passed laws that allow them to grow hemp. If the bill were to be passed, then states that have been ambivalent to pass a law because of federal conflict, would most like pass laws with overwhelming support, such as that found in Vermont (126-9 vote) or New Mexico (59-2 vote).


An April 2003 Zogby poll that showed that 79% of American voters support allowing US farmers to grow hemp to supply US companies.
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer is an industrial hemp supporter who, as governor, signed North Dakota's hemp laws.
Sen. Obama voted for industrial hemp legislation while a state senator.
Rich Products Corporation, Cargill's biggest customer, sells hemp foods.
Former CIA Director Jim Woolsey supports legalizing industrial hemp.

It would be great if we could find a time to meet this week. If not,

I appreciate your time and consideration. Feel free to contact me via email or phone at 202-232-8997.



Thank You,

-Ben

Ben Droz
Votehemp.org
202-232-8997