{"id":1152,"date":"2012-05-13T07:10:21","date_gmt":"2012-05-13T07:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/?p=15523"},"modified":"2012-05-13T07:10:21","modified_gmt":"2012-05-13T07:10:21","slug":"moving-to-legalize-domestic-hemp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/moving-to-legalize-domestic-hemp\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Legalize Domestic Hemp"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"wp_fb_like_button\" style=\"margin:5px 0 5px 5px;float:right;height:100px;\"><script src=\"http:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\"><\/script><fb:like href=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/moving-to-legalize-domestic-hemp\/\" send=\"true\" layout=\"standard\" width=\"450\" show_faces=\"false\" font=\"arial\" action=\"like\" colorscheme=\"light\"><\/fb:like><\/div><p><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" src=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/GW-sow-hemp.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"GW sow hemp\" title=\"GW sow hemp\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-15529\" href=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/news-and-articles\/moving-to-legalize-domestic-hemp\/attachment\/gw-sow-hemp\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-15529\" src=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/GW-sow-hemp-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary&#8217;s sister plant, industrial Hemp.\u00a0 Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law.\u00a0 They are two genetically distinct species with different properties.\u00a0 Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes.\u00a0 Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp).\u00a0 Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably.\u00a0 Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers.\u00a0 Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them &#8220;doped up&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see &#8220;<a title=\"Hemp for Victory\" href=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/news-and-articles\/hemp-for-victory\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hemp for Victory<\/a>&#8220;).\u00a0 Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products.\u00a0 This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products.\u00a0 However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products.\u00a0 To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries.\u00a0 This is a farce.\u00a0 America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops.\u00a0 At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans.\u00a0 This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, <a title=\"Hemp states\" href=\"http:\/\/norml.org\/legal\/hemp-2\" target=\"_blank\">eighteen states<\/a> have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp.\u00a0 Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits.\u00a0 Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed.\u00a0 Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws.\u00a0 Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related.\u00a0 Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about <a title=\"Drug Czar against Hemp\" href=\"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/scott-morgan\/the-drug-czars-false-stat_b_1463271.html\" target=\"_blank\">Federal prosecution<\/a>.\u00a0 The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.<\/p>\n<p>The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include <a title=\"Kentucky hemp farming\" href=\"http:\/\/www.creativedepartment.com\/news\/marketing\/congressional-hopefuls-advocate-legalizing-kentucky-hemp-production-and-marketing-220\" target=\"_blank\">Kentucky<\/a>, <a title=\"Vermont hemp intiative\" href=\"http:\/\/vtdigger.org\/2012\/05\/04\/senate-settles-on-hemp-compromise\/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont<\/a>, <a title=\"North Dakota legalizes hemp production\" href=\"http:\/\/stopthedrugwar.org\/chronicle\/2006\/dec\/06\/hemp_north_dakota_becomes_first\" target=\"_blank\">North Dakota<\/a>, <a title=\"Washington hemp\" href=\"http:\/\/www.theweedblog.com\/a-critical-review-of-washingtons-i-502-initiative\/\" target=\"_blank\">Washington<\/a>, <a title=\"Colorado hemp bill\" href=\"http:\/\/blogs.westword.com\/latestword\/2012\/05\/marijuana_industrial_hemp_stud.php\" target=\"_blank\">Colorado<\/a>, <a title=\"Oregon initatives\" href=\"http:\/\/www.salem-news.com\/articles\/may092012\/legalization-initiatives-mb.php\" target=\"_blank\">Oregon<\/a>, and <a title=\"Montana hemp licensing\" href=\"http:\/\/missoulian.com\/news\/state-and-regional\/article_48c091d2-c2f9-11de-a4b7-001cc4c002e0.html\" target=\"_blank\">Montana<\/a>.\u00a0 Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws.\u00a0 In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced &#8220;The Industrial Hemp Farming Act&#8221; so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban.\u00a0 The current measure, <a title=\"House Bill 1831\" href=\"http:\/\/capwiz.com\/norml2\/issues\/alert\/?alertid=48009501\" target=\"_blank\">House Bill 1831<\/a> has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing.\u00a0 If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade.\u00a0 Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over <a title=\"Hemp growth\" href=\"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/eric-steenstra\/hemp-production-obama-drug-policy_b_1474512.html\" target=\"_blank\">four hundred million dollars<\/a>.\u00a0 This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future.\u00a0 Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion.\u00a0 Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product.\u00a0 Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops.\u00a0 Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better.\u00a0 It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout.\u00a0 Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle.\u00a0 More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation&#8217;s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" src=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/GW-sow-hemp.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"GW sow hemp\" title=\"GW sow hemp\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-15529\" href=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/news-and-articles\/moving-to-legalize-domestic-hemp\/attachment\/gw-sow-hemp\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-15529\" src=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/GW-sow-hemp-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a>As the movement for the legalization of marijuana marches on people often forget about the Mary&#8217;s sister plant, industrial Hemp.\u00a0 Both plants are members of the cannabis genus and both are illegal to grow or possess under Federal law.\u00a0 They are two genetically distinct species with different properties.\u00a0 Marijuana contains as much as 27% THC in its buds, leaves and trichomes.\u00a0 Whereas hemp generally contains 0.3% or less THC (although some places do allow for it to contain 1% and remain classified as industrial hemp).\u00a0 Furthermore the two plants are unsuited to be used interchangeably.\u00a0 Marijuana is unsuited for industrial purposes such as paper, clothing and building goods due to the nature of growth of the plant fibers.\u00a0 Similarly, industrial hemp will not get have the effects of smoked marijuana. It is very similar to the way that poppy seeds can make a person test positive for opium, but would produce get them &#8220;doped up&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1937 it has been illegal to cultivate both marijuana and hemp plants, aside from a special dispensation in WW2 (see &#8220;<a title=\"Hemp for Victory\" href=\"http:\/\/www.marijuana.net\/news-and-articles\/hemp-for-victory\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hemp for Victory<\/a>&#8220;).\u00a0 Today many states have passed laws allowing for compassionate use of medical marijuana, but it is still illegal to domestically grow and distribute industrial hemp products.\u00a0 This continues despite growing demands for hempen clothing, building supplies, fossil fuel substitutes, and food products.\u00a0 However, it is legally allowed to import foreign hemp products.\u00a0 To meet this demand, American companies must purchase goods from Canada, China and a few European countries.\u00a0 This is a farce.\u00a0 America (from the time of the colonies) was built on money provided by Hemp cash crops.\u00a0 At this time we are relegated to sending hard-earned American dollars overseas (OK, Canada is not overseas) to buy raw seed and fiber and end-products that could easily be made here, at an economic benefit for Americans.\u00a0 This market has nowhere to go except upward, especially as more Americans become aware of the many benefits (nutritional, agricultural, industrial, economical) presented by Hemp.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, <a title=\"Hemp states\" href=\"http:\/\/norml.org\/legal\/hemp-2\" target=\"_blank\">eighteen states<\/a> have recent laws (within the last 20 years), bills, or amendments on the books or pending legislation seeking to allow for domestic cultivation of Industrial Hemp.\u00a0 Many of those states have only first stage laws that require studies by state boards looking into economic and agricultural benefits.\u00a0 Many of these studies are underway, but none have been completed.\u00a0 Part of this is due to the political insecurity that arises from dabbling in marijuana laws.\u00a0 Although attitudes have shifted greatly in the last several years, many politicians are still wary of endorsing anything marijuana-related.\u00a0 Regardless of those studies, every bill has language reflecting the worries about <a title=\"Drug Czar against Hemp\" href=\"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/scott-morgan\/the-drug-czars-false-stat_b_1463271.html\" target=\"_blank\">Federal prosecution<\/a>.\u00a0 The caveats in the bills all mention that Federal statutes must either be overturned, rewritten, or researchers and farmers will require permits or dispensations from the DEA, DOJ or even IRS in order to grow hemp crops and be in compliance of state and federal laws.<\/p>\n<p>The most recent states to challenge this Federal ban include <a title=\"Kentucky hemp farming\" href=\"http:\/\/www.creativedepartment.com\/news\/marketing\/congressional-hopefuls-advocate-legalizing-kentucky-hemp-production-and-marketing-220\" target=\"_blank\">Kentucky<\/a>, <a title=\"Vermont hemp intiative\" href=\"http:\/\/vtdigger.org\/2012\/05\/04\/senate-settles-on-hemp-compromise\/\" target=\"_blank\">Vermont<\/a>, <a title=\"North Dakota legalizes hemp production\" href=\"http:\/\/stopthedrugwar.org\/chronicle\/2006\/dec\/06\/hemp_north_dakota_becomes_first\" target=\"_blank\">North Dakota<\/a>, <a title=\"Washington hemp\" href=\"http:\/\/www.theweedblog.com\/a-critical-review-of-washingtons-i-502-initiative\/\" target=\"_blank\">Washington<\/a>, <a title=\"Colorado hemp bill\" href=\"http:\/\/blogs.westword.com\/latestword\/2012\/05\/marijuana_industrial_hemp_stud.php\" target=\"_blank\">Colorado<\/a>, <a title=\"Oregon initatives\" href=\"http:\/\/www.salem-news.com\/articles\/may092012\/legalization-initiatives-mb.php\" target=\"_blank\">Oregon<\/a>, and <a title=\"Montana hemp licensing\" href=\"http:\/\/missoulian.com\/news\/state-and-regional\/article_48c091d2-c2f9-11de-a4b7-001cc4c002e0.html\" target=\"_blank\">Montana<\/a>.\u00a0 Members of Congress have also sought to change the laws.\u00a0 In 2007, 2009, and 2011 they have introduced &#8220;The Industrial Hemp Farming Act&#8221; so that low potency cannabis crops would be exempted from the Federal ban.\u00a0 The current measure, <a title=\"House Bill 1831\" href=\"http:\/\/capwiz.com\/norml2\/issues\/alert\/?alertid=48009501\" target=\"_blank\">House Bill 1831<\/a> has numerous co-sponsors but has not received a Congressional hearing.\u00a0 If passed, states would have the power to approve and regulate hemp cultivation and trade.\u00a0 Last year, Hemp imports were valued at over <a title=\"Hemp growth\" href=\"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/eric-steenstra\/hemp-production-obama-drug-policy_b_1474512.html\" target=\"_blank\">four hundred million dollars<\/a>.\u00a0 This number is expected to increase this year and more in the future.\u00a0 Hemp production could soon be valued at over $1 billion.\u00a0 Taxed revenues from this business would do well to help offset American debt and trade deficits, if it was a domestic product.\u00a0 Not only is this an incredibly useful plant, it is hardy and grows in poor soils that are unsuited for other crash crops.\u00a0 Additionally, rotating hemp through poor soils helps to lock nutrients back into the earth so that other crops can grow better.\u00a0 It also is a prime source for photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the problems posed by increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse chemicals present in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>As more information comes to light about hemp it seems that the cultivation of this plant is a win-win situation for the environment, the economy, and the people of our country.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the same special interests (tobacco lobby, Big Pharma, Alcohol, fossil fuels) who secured the ban over seventy years ago still have enormous political clout.\u00a0 Combined with the inordinate amount of false information and prejudice against the cannabis plant, those in favor of legalization face a stiff uphill battle.\u00a0 More than ever it is incumbent upon us, we the people, to take an active role in our nation&#8217;s future and declare that this plant should not be denied to us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[45,146,52,1123,330,277,98,1124,944,55,1125,1126,1127,151,77,9,372,51,300,170,1,3,18,1128,173],"tags":[2628,2724,2632,3693,2908,2855,2676,3694,3515,2635,3695,3696,3697,2729,2655,2950,2631,2878,2748,2622,3698,2751],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1152"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1152\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}