Oral arguments held in hemp lawsuit against government

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Lawyers argued in federal court in Bismarck today over whether farmers should have the right to grow industrial hemp.

North Dakota farmers Dave Monson and Wayne Hauge (HOW'-ghee) have sued the federal government. Their attorney, Joseph Sandler, told U.S. District Judge Dan Hovland that under state regulations the farmers have the right to grow the crop, which can be used in a variety of products.

Justice Department lawyer Wendy Ertmer says federal law prohibits commercial cultivation of hemp, which is a cousin of marijuana. The government wants the case thrown out.

Hovland says he'll decide whether to do that by the end of the month.

If he decides not to he will then decide whether to rule in the farmers' favor without a trial.

Hovland said in court today that he thinks a better remedy for the dispute might be a change in federal law, to amend the definition of "industrial hemp." (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-14-07 1156CST | save this article / add to your favorites list