Hemp has many industrial uses, but opponents say the proposal just would make marijuana easier to obtain.
Some people see a promising Iowa crop in the green stalks of hemp.
Others see the dark shadow of marijuana. Some people marvel at the potential of an alternative crop that can be used in the manufacture of cloth, paper and building materials. Others, such as Gov. Terry Branstad's drug policy chief, see only trouble for law enforcement and dashed expectations for Iowa farmers if they eventually are allowed to cultivate hemp, a variety of the plant that others grow as marijuana. It's both sad and humorous if they think they're going to make money for the farm. Law-makers considered a bill that would have authorized Iowa State University to conduct research on marketing and production of hemp, a crop that isn't exactly new to the state.