|
From hemp historian John Dvorak's research, in 1619, it was illegal not to grow hemp in Jamestown,
<br />Virginia because it was one of the country's most valuable resources. Colonists were ordered to grow 100
<br />plants specifically for fiber export. States actually encouraged hemp cultivation. However, marijuana
<br />prohibition and the dominance of the cotton industry set in. Today, Americans want to take advantage of
<br />the lucrative hemp cash crop.
<br />Hemp is a plant that was grown around the world for centuries. This plant, once considered a valuable
<br />natural resource, is and has been harvested for its fibers, seed, seed meal and seed oil. The hemp plant
<br />is a variety of the plant species Cannabis Sativa. The leaves of the hemp plant also look very similar, thus
<br />its confusion with marijuana. While both plants look similar, they are quite different. Hemp contains less
<br />than 1 % THC, the active ingredient known as delta -9- tetrahydrocannabinol. The marijuana plant, on the
<br />other hand, does contain 5 - 20% of this active ingredient.
<br />In the United States of America, hemp dates back to the 1600's. American farmers were required by law
<br />to grow hemp in Jamestown, Virginia and other colonies in order to export fiber. Hemp was a valuable
<br />natural resource. As such, the Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper in 1776 and the
<br />U.S. Constitution was outfitted with 60 tons of hemp sails and rigging. Past Presidents George
<br />Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams all grew hemp, while Abraham Lincoln used hemp seed
<br />oil to fuel his lamps. This is just a sampling of how hemp was used. It wasn't until 1937 that hemp rapidly
<br />declined in popularity due to the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act.
<br />Despite the "Hemp for Victory" campaign during WWII, harassment from law enforcement coupled with
<br />inadequate education on the difference between hemp and marijuana quickly disparaged Americans.
<br />According to author Jim Lunstrum's article, Wisconsin Once Led the Nation in Hemp Production, the last
<br />hemp crop was grown in Wisconsin in 1958. In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act officially prohibited
<br />cultivation of the hemp crop.
<br />Today, hemp provides just as many benefits as it has done for centuries, both environmentally,
<br />ecologically, and economically. Hemp can be grown in different climates and in a variety of soil types. It's
<br />naturally resistant to most pests and is grown very close together. One acre of hemp can produce four
<br />times more paper than one acre of trees and is usually planted and harvested within four months.
<br />Over 25,000 products can be derived from hemp. Forests and wildlife habitats would be saved and
<br />erosion of topsoil due to logging would be eliminated, if hemp were used. Hemp, as a food source, is rich
<br />in essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 - 6 -9. Hemp seeds can also be made into butter, milk, protein
<br />powder, oils, soap, and candles to name a few. Over 25,000 products can be derived from hemp. Read
<br />more on the uses and benefits of hemp on www.voteindustrialhemp.com.
<br />It should be especially noted that hemp is an excellent source for fiber, which is why Hemp, Inc. will
<br />manufacture it in its multipurpose decortication processing facility. This natural, organic fiber can be
<br />processed into everything from clothing to textiles and was once the fabric of choice. Initially, it was only
<br />used as industrial fiber because of the coarseness. Traditional methods using acid to remove natural glue
<br />(lignin) in plant fibers to soften fabric had an adverse effect on hemp, as it made the fiber too weak for
<br />use. However, research evolved and an enzymatic process was developed to remove the lignin without
<br />weakening the fiber. This enzymatic process produced "de- gummed" hemp fiber that could be spun with a
<br />variety of other fabrics to create wonderful textiles for the apparel industry. Because of the durability,
<br />resistance to mold and ultraviolet light, and other properties of hemp, apparel made of hemp have been
<br />known to far surpass non -hemp products.
<br />According to the non - profit trade association, Hemp Industries Association (HIA), the U.S. retail market for
<br />hemp products was valued to be at least $620 million. This includes hemp food, body care products, non -
<br />diary milk, shelled seeds, soaps, lotions, clothing, auto parts, building materials and various other
<br />products. It's also important to note that market growth is increasing, even with current challenges...
<br />primarily legislature.
<br />
|