One of the lawsuit's central arguments is that industrial hemp is defined to be those varieties of cannabis that have no drug value and are cultivated exclusively for fiber (ethanol/biofuels, textiles, apparel, fabrics, bags, shoes, socks, netting, canvas, carpet, mulch, fiberboard, insulation, boiler fuel, paper, newsprint, cardboard, packaging), and seed (bread, cereals, granola, ice cream, milk, flour, salad oils, margarine, soaps, shampoos, hand creams, cosmetics, lip balms, paints, solvents, inks, diesel fuel).
But the DEA, the lawsuit points out, considers industrial hemp plants to be "marijuana," the possession or production of which is subject to criminal penalties, including property forfeiture. Thus, the reason for the lawsuit.
"We are asking that DEA do nothing," explains Tim Purdon, one of the attorneys representing the farmers. "North Dakota's rules no longer require a DEA permit, so we are basically asking the court to tell DEA to leave our farmers alone."
(Disclaimer: Four Red, White & Blueberry hemp seed bars, a product of Canada and its farmers, were consumed by this columnist while writing the above item, sent to us by votehemp.com).