[Sativa]

The maneuvering continues in a federal lawsuit filed by two North Dakota farmers who want the right to grow industrial hemp.

The Justice Department last month asked a federal judge to dismiss the case. Now, the farmers are asking U.S. District Judge Dan Hovland in Bismarck to rule they can legally grow industrial hemp under state regulations approved late last year.

Attorney Tim Purdon represents the farmers. He says the government has 30 days to respond to the farmers` motion, and that he anticipates oral arguments in Bismarck late in the year.

Farmers Dave Monson and Wayne Hauge are asking the judge to declare that they can`t be criminally prosecuted for growing hemp under North Dakota rules.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says federal law does not distinguish between industrial hemp and marijuana, which is considered an illegal drug in the United States.



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Source: KFYR-TV
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Copyright: 2007 KFYR-TV
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