This week is the 2nd annual Hemp History Week. Hemp History Week is designed to educate the public about industrial hemp and renew support for hemp farming and processing in the U.S.
When you look at grocery store shelves and see products like hemp milk, hemp seeds & protein, hemp ice cream, etc it looks like hemp farming is alive and well in the US. However, these products come from outside of the U.S., often from Canada, where hemp farming is legal. Not only are American farmers missing out on the opportunity to grow a sustainable, profitable, and growing crop, but we are wasting fuel by importing products from outside of our country.
Industrial hemp, the product used for hemp milk, fabric, paper and more is not the same as marajuana. However, due to confusion between hemp and drug varieties of the plant, hemp has been defined as a narcotic drug ever since the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act was passed. Growing & processing hemp has been illegal in the U.S. since the 1950's.
According to Hemp History Week:
Industrial hemp has played a significant role in American history. In fact, in the early 1700's American farmers in Virginia were required by law to grow it. Today, healthy and sustainable hemp products are sold across the country, but American farmers are prohibited from growing this crop.
Hemp is one of the Earth's most sustainable, versatle and profitable crops. It is among the oldest industries on the planet, going back more than 10,000 years to the beginnings of pottery. The Columbia History of the World states that the oldest relic of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to approximately 8,000 BC.
Additionally,
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Henry Ford and many other notable Americans were actively engaged in, and openly advocated for, the commercial hemp industry. Throughout the centuries, hemp was handled by the government the same as any other farm crop, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published numerous articles and worked to help American farmers understand the best ways to grow industrial hemp.
As a food source hemp is considered a superfood. It has highly digestible protein, is a great source of omega 3s & 6s having a perfect ratio of them, naturally occuring minerals, and provides essential amino acids, all of which make this a great food source, not just for vegetarians & vegans, but for everyone. Many athletes love hemp protein because of it's nutritional value and lack of allergens.
In body care hemp oil is popular because it's grown without pesticides, reducing concerns about pesticide contamination. The essential fatty acids are great skin conditioners and some studies show hemp oil may be a good protector against ultraviolet light.
Hemp also has the potential to be used in biofuels, paper, ropes, fabric, as automotive components and more. If you think about all of the products that are made with plastics that can be replaced with hemp products, the potential growth and income of hemp farming seems to be unlimited. And, unlike products that come from soy and corn which are usually genetically modified and threaten the rest of the food supply, including organic crops, hemp poses no threat to other farmers and is much more ecologically sound and healthier for farm workers, neighbors and consuers.
Hemp History Week seeks to celebrate America's rich history with industrial hemp and generate strong support for the re-legalization of hemp farming. Take part by educating yourself about industrial hemp and sharing that information with your friends and family.
If you feel that American farmers should be able to grow industrial hemp, help take action by signing this petition and write to your representatives asking them to support a new House version of H.R. 1866, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009 & asking your senator to introduce it in the Senate.
For more information check out these resources:
Vote Hemp
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