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