hemp products

Natural Hemp Products

When people are asked what they believe “Hemp” is, they usually respond by saying, “Isn’t that marijuana?” Unfortunately, this reaction is typical of most Americans who have ever heard of hemp. Stigmas against hemp have grown from the negative view of marijuana; however, the hemp plant is quite different from the marijuana plant.

The plant has a multitude of potential uses such as:

  • paper
  • plastics
  • fabrics
  • fuel

Hemp could replace numerous industries, such as cotton in the U.S., which would cut costs and benefit the environment.

First of all, both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant- Cannabis Sativa L. However, hemp does not have the same intoxicating effect as marijuana. Hemp contains less than one percent of THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol)-the chemical compound responsible for the “high” marijuana creates. This “high” is why hemp’s cousin, the marijuana plant, is illegal in the United States. However, the level of THC in the marijuana plant is much higher than in hemp. One marijuana plant typically contains anywhere from 3-20% THC, whereas hemp is bred to contain very minimal amounts of THC.

John Cloud, a staff writer for Time magazine, says, “You could roll and smoke every leaf on a 15-ft. hemp plant and gain little more than a hacking cough.” His statement is truly poignant. Anyone who thinks they will be able to get high off of hemp is foolish. So, why is the cultivation of hemp illegal?

Up until the mid-20th century, hemp cultivation was legal in the U.S. With the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, domestic cultivation of hemp was prohibited. Many farmers based their income on the crop, so the ban crushed their industry. However, in 1942, the government lifted the ban and encouraged farmers to cultivate hemp to help with the war effort.

Hemp was used for supplies such as rope. Unfortunately, the relaxation of the laws against hemp was terminated in 1957, and the ban continues today under the 1972 Controlled Substances Act.

Since the Act, there has been a growing movement pushing for the legalization of hemp, but not until now has the government given much attention to the topic. To date, 28 states have introduced hemp legislation and 15 have passed legislation; 8 (Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia) have removed barriers to its production or research.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considered hemp a “schedule-one” controlled substance, which are those substances that have a “high potential for abuse.” Until now, the DEA has ignored proponents for hemp by backing the agency’s argument about the trace amounts of THC in hemp.

Former head of the DEA, Asa Hutchinson, even pushed to outlaw any food products made from hemp due to possible presence of the substance THC. Hemp is grouped into the same category as Heroin. However, hemp does not have potential for abuse in comparison to drugs like heroin. Once again, the amounts of THC that can be found in some hemp crops are too low to be considered mind-altering.

Unfortunately, those opposed to hemp cultivation believe that the production of the crop will lead to the legalization of marijuana plant in the U.S. However, when the marijuana plant is placed in hemp fields, the hemp will undoubtedly degrade the quality of the marijuana crop because the plants will cross-pollinate.

If a farmer wishes to produce true marijuana, hiding the plant in a hemp field would be a foolish mistake. U.S. agencies use the argument that hiding marijuana in a hemp field will make it much easier to produce marijuana in the U.S.

In addition, the hemp plant and the marijuana plant are noticeably different in appearance. Marijuana plants tend to be short and bushy, while hemp plants can have stalks reaching 25 feet. Also, cultivated hemp grows a slender, nearly leafless lower stem, whereas marijuana strains are bred to have abundant leaves, glands and flowers where the intoxicating THC is stored. The differences in size and appearance can aid in distinguishing the two plants.

Britain, Canada, and other countries have been growing hemp for many years without major incident. Hemp is grown legally in about 30 countries, including many in the European Union, where it is mixed with lime to make plaster and as a “biocomposite” in the interior panels of Mercedes-Benzes. Only the U.S. government has such a strong feeling of disgrace against the plant.

Unbeknownst to much of the public, hemp has  innumerable benefits. For example, adding long-fiber hemp pulp to recycled paper greatly increases the number of times it can be recycled before the fibers are too short.

If hemp could be grown in the U.S., it could revolutionize the agricultural industry, thus boosting our nation’s economy. The plant is so versatile that practically anyone could find some use out of hemp goods.

Over 25,000 products can be manufactured from hemp, including hair conditioner, diapers, insulation, clothing, carpets, paper, and even perfume.

The hemp plant itself has many appealing characteristics. Because hemp grows quickly, more of it can be manufactured in a short amount of time in comparison to other fibers, such as wood. Any plant that grows at a high rate in a sustainable climate is favorable to farmers and industries.

Also, hemp is naturally resistant to most pests, so it doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides. This phenomenon can lead to less pollution in the environment. Farmers would not have to spend much-needed time and money on products to prevent insect infestation in their fields. With hemp, the U.S. could save money on production costs, thus reducing the price of products while benefiting the environment. Hemp’s advantages are countless.

Overall, hemp is simply an all-around resource. However, government policy is hindering its full benefits. Agencies for hemp have addressed all of the benefits of hemp. But, the DEA believes that marijuana could be grown in hemp fields if hemp could be grown on U.S. soil. Once again, that reasoning is based on premises that have not been well thought-out.

Hemp is grown differently and looks much different than marijuana, as previously stated. Hemp supporters must continue to send the facts about hemp to their legislators. Everyday consumers should buy hemp products to increase the already growing hemp market. The hemp plant has the potential to restructure the agricultural economy. This resource aids in the protection of the environment. There are so many benefits. The legalization of industrial hemp is just one step that could update the way our nation uses its natural resources.

Check out VoteHemp for more info on hemp.

To Your Well-Being,

Olivia Johnston

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Filed under: Natural Living

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