2/23 9am in Sacto:

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 18, 2005

CONTACT: Adam Eidinger 202-232-8997, 202-744-2671

Hemp Farming Bill to be Introduced in California
California Businesses, Farmers, Legislators to Speak at Press Conference Feb. 23

February 18, 2005 - California business leaders, farmers and legislators will offer their support for a new industrial hemp farming bill at a press conference on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in the California State Capitol, room 1190. The press conference, hosted by Assemblyman Mark Leno, sponsor of the legislation, will feature various California based hemp businesses and outline why passage of the bill will help farmers and California's economy.

WHO:

* Assemblyman Mark Leno, 13th District, (San Francisco)
* Candi Penn, executive director of the Hemp Industries Association
* David Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps (Escondido)
* John Roulac, president of Nutiva (Sebastopol-based Hemp Food Brand)
* Representatives of Whole Foods Market and other speakers to be announced

WHAT: Press Conference on New Industrial Hemp Legislation

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 23rd at 9 a.m.

WHERE: California State Capitol, Room 1190, Sacramento

From natural soap to healthy foods, a variety of "Made in California" hemp products will be available to the public and media to sample. In addition, a wide variety of hemp products from around the world will be on display. Two of the California hemp companies to speak at the press conference will disclose how many thousands of acres of hemp they already support in other countries to supply their businesses, all of which could be grown in California.

This is the second time an industrial hemp bill has been introduced in the California legislature. In 2002, a hemp research bill passed both the Assembly and Senate only to be vetoed by then Gov. Gray Davis. "In 2002 we were very close to achieving hemp legislation," says Candi Penn, executive director of the Hemp Industries Association, which represents over 300 member companies. "We hope that our Governor, who was born in a country where hemp farming is legal, will sign the legislation to the benefit of California's economy and environment."

Support for hemp farming in California goes back to 1999 when Resolution HR32 was passed by the Assembly. If the new hemp bill becomes law, farmers would be able to apply for state licenses to grow hemp. The law would be similar to regulations
on industrial hemp in other countries such as Canada and the European Union.
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NOTE: BETA SP Video News Release featuring footage of hemp farming in other countries is available upon request by contacting Adam Eidinger at 202-744-2671.

Visit http://www.VoteHemp.com/news.html to read court documents and numerous scientific studies re: hemp foods. For more information or to arrange interviews with representatives of the hemp industry, please call Adam Eidinger at 202-232-8997.

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