Former CIA Director Jim Woolsey is scheduled to address a meeting today at the Canadian Consulate in Denver.

But he won’t speak about terrorism.

Woolsey, who has served under former President Clinton and has been an adviser to President Bush, will hold court via telephone on another of his favorite topics: industrial hemp.

Commercial farming of hemp is banned in the United States for its apparent similarities to marijuana – a charge repudiated by hemp supporters. Developed regions such as Europe and Canada allow farmers to grow hemp for industrial purposes such as ropes or fabrics. The Canadian consulate in Denver supports the move to lift the ban.

Woolsey says hemp, if allowed in the U.S., could become a low-water-consuming and easy- to-grow feedstock for biofuels. Also, because of its biological properties, hemp could inhibit the growth of illegal marijuana through cross-pollination.

Full Story: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/11/former-cia-director-woolsey-weaves-case-for-hemp/