BILL NUMBER:  SB 676
  VETOED	DATE: 10/09/2011




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 676 without my signature.

This measure would establish a pilot program for the cultivation of
industrial hemp in four counties in California.

Federal law clearly establishes that all cannabis plants, including
industrial hemp, are marijuana, which is a federally regulated
controlled substance.  Failure to obtain a permit from the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration prior to growing such plants will subject
a California farmer to federal prosecution.

Although I am not signing this measure, I do support a change in
federal law.  Products made from hemp ? clothes, food, and bath
products ? are legally sold in California every day.  It is absurd
that hemp is being imported into the state, but our farmers cannot
grow it.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.