BILL NUMBER: AB 388 VETOED DATE: 09/15/2002 SEP 15, 2002 To Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 388 without my signature. This bill would request that the University of California conduct a study of the economic opportunities associated with the production of alternative fiber crops, including industrial hemp, flax, and kenaf. There are a number of significant concerns regarding the legality of producing industrial hemp in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded that "legal issues currently preclude research into the viability of industrial hemp fiber production in the United States. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration applies the same strict controls to industrial hemp as it does to marijuana. That is, it is a Schedule I Controlled Substance under federal law. For these reaso ns, I am returning this bill without my signature. Sincerely, GRAY DAVIS