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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION requesting the department of Com-
  merce and Housing to form a task force to investigate and research
  the viability of nonpsychoactive industrial hemp as an alternative crop.
  WHEREAS, Around the nation, there is a new interest in growing
nonpsychoactive industrial hemp as an alternative crop; and
  WHEREAS, The plant serves as a good rotation crop, choking out
weeds and surviving without the aid of pesticides; and
  WHEREAS, The plant can be grown in many climates and under
many conditions; and
  WHEREAS, Many industries, including those in textiles, food, oil and
building materials are showing an interest in nonpsychoactive industrial
hemp; and
  WHEREAS, American industry is currently importing the plant for
industry use: Now, therefore,
  Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, the House of Rep-
resentatives concurring therein:  That the department of Commerce and
Housing shall form a task force to investigate and research the viability
of nonpsychoactive industrial hemp as an alternative crop; and
  Be it further resolved:  That the task force, through the department
of Commerce and Housing, shall submit its report and recommendations
to the Governor, the chairpersons and ranking minority members of the
committees on Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture of
the Senate and House of Representatives and to the Secretary of the
Senate and the chief clerk of the House of Representatives on or before
January 12, 1998.