The letter below is from Sen. Bill Nelson to a Vote Hemp supporter in reply to a letter asking him to become a sponsor of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL)

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.

June 25, 2011

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the cultivation of hemp as an industrial cash crop.  I appreciate your taking the time to inform me of your views on this issue.

Although the U.S. government permitted hemp to be grown for fiber and oil during World War II, the crop has been illegal in the United States since 1937 because of the narcotic properties of some varieties.  I am concerned that legalizing industrial hemp could complicate the identification and eradication of the drug-producing hemp varieties and could undermine important national efforts to combat America's drug problems. Please know that I will keep your suggestions in mind if legislation regarding the legalization of hemp comes before the Senate for consideration.

I appreciate your taking the time to be involved and informed about such matters.  Your opinions are important to me.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians.  If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm