As a sociology major, I am impressed by the rapid mobilization of the Hemp movement.

Within the last two semesters, there have been several significant events for the movement here at Penn State. First, Jack Herer's HEMP Tour brought the issue here in September. And on the coat tails of the tour, Penn State NORML and Student First Step formed.

Now in a collaborated effort, PSNORML and Student First Step are bringing the Hemp Conference to Penn State and a hemp referendum to the USG elections. Herer's book, "The Emperor Wears No Clothes," is now receiving some serious attention from scholars in the fields of agriculture, economics and environment.

The Hemp Conference, which will be here from March 21 to 22, will bring Herer back, along with others, to discuss the relation of hemp to the oil industry, the agricultural industry and the environment.

The marijuana referendum, which will appear on the USG election ballot March 27, reflects the views of hundreds of students who signed petitions regarding privacy rights. This referendum is also significant because it represents the movement's entry into the political process as an interest group.

The hemp movement has been gaining steam nationwide, with marked success at Penn State, so I feel every student should attend the Hemp Conference, in order to find out what the group is talking about, and vote on the upcoming referendum.