In the closing remarks of the February 14th, 2014 Congressional Research Service report authored by Renee Johnson, specialist in Agricultural Policy, entitled "Hemp as an agricultural commodity", it is noted that "the main obstacles facing this potential market are U.S. drug policies and DEA concerns about the ramifications of U.S. commercial hemp production."

In the final paragraph of the closing remarks, it is noted "nevertheless, the U.S. market for hemp-based products has a highly dedicated and growing demand base, as indicated by recent U.S. market and import data for hemp products and ingredients, as well as market trends for some natural foods and body care products. Given the existence of these small-scale, but profitable, niche markets for a wide array of industrial and consumer products, commercial hemp industry in the United States could provide opportunities as an economically viable alternative crop for some U.S. growers."

Thank you for considering my comment in support of allowing commercial domestic production of hemp crops.

Sincerely,

Douglas Pepe
Ames, IA