The letter below is from Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking her to become a sponsor of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009.

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO)

If you receive a reply from one of your elected representatives please email a copy of it to us at hempinfo@votehemp.com. It will help with our lobbying efforts to know the contents of these letters. We will not publish your name or address and hold them in confidence.

April 3, 2009

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about industrial hemp and hemp farming. I appreciate having your comments and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Legislation to federally allow commercial cultivation of hemp was introduced in the 110th Congress. Known as the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 (H.R.1009), this bill would have differentiated the definition of "hemp" from "marijuana" and would permit industrial hemp production based on state law. This legislation was not acted upon before the adjournment of the 110th Congress.

While possible reform works its way through the legislative process, the current law is a zero-tolerance on any crop containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Any hemp with THC content is subject to enforcement as a controlled substance. I believe that, as a former prosecutor, this law must be strictly enforced.

I understand the many potential uses of hemp and will consider its benefits should this legislation or any other bill to facilitate hemp farming come before the full Senate during the 111th Congress.

Thank you again for your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to let me know of any other issues that are important to you.

All best,

Senator Claire McCaskill