Here are excerpts of a report by Lori Montgomery, a Washington Post Staff Writer.


Maryland yesterday became the fourth state in the nation to
authorize the production of hemp, a hardy fibrous crop with many
commercial uses that sponsors hope will offer Maryland farmers a
profitable alternative to tobacco. There's just one drawback:
Hemp is also known as marijuana. And under federal drug laws, it
is illegal.
But with a growing number of states showing interest in the crop
to help bolster their sagging farm economies, the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration is reviewing its hardline stance
against hemp production. And Maryland officials are optimistic
that the DEA will permit them to implement their four-year pilot
program.
"We're growing rope, not pot," said Charles Puffinberger, an
assistant secretary in the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
"Maybe if we all gang up on the DEA, they might give in and say,
'Go ahead. Grow whatever you want.' "