Industrial Hemp Why Legalize It?

Current Status (NORML)

Current Status Effectively illegal to grow in the U.S. Some states have legalized but federal government still has majority control One can legally grow upon receiving a permit from the DEA There is a Act in congress that could legalize hemp, H.R. 1831

Comparison MarijuanaIndustrial Hemp (Small and Marcus 2002)

Comparison MarijuanaIndustrial Hemp Both types of plant are Cannabis sativa,but are grown and have been bred differently (Hemp Beach TV) (Rolled Too Tight)

Comparison MarijuanaIndustrial Hemp (Relegalize.info) (88.9 KETR)

Products (Small and Marcus 2002)

Products Food (Hemp seed contains all the essential amino and fatty acids required by humans) Animal feed and bedding Body Products (Soap, lotion, etc.) Oils (Paint, varnish, lubricants, wood sealant, etc.) Fuel (Charcoal, ethanol, biodiesel, etc.) Biodegradable plastics Building materials (strong, flexible concrete, ply boards, etc.) Clothing Paper Hemp has a variety of uses including:

Products (Green is Universal) (Ingredients for Health) (Hemphasis) (furniturehomedesign.com)

Growing Conditions (Agri Fibre Industries)

Growing Conditions Hemp prefers well aerated moist soil but will grow in most conditions with adequate water When grown closely ( plants/m 2 ) the plants shade out weeds Studies have shown that it may actually improve soil health when used in rotation with other crops Corn lbs/acre Nitrogen lbs/acre Phosphorus lbs/acre Potassium Hemp lbs/acre Nitrogen lbs/acre Phosphorus lbs/acre Potassium

Yield Yields can be about 3-5 tons/acre Most conventional equipment cannot handle the fibers of hemp, specialized machinery has been developed (Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute)

Opposing Arguments Legality Stoners trying to smoke plants Growing Marijuana in the fields Sends wrong message about U.S. opinion on drugs Hemp does not have enough THC to get high Marijuana plants would get pollinated by surrounding plants resulting in poor marijuana PSAs could be produced with info pertaining to Hemp and Marijuana

Really? If you walked into a field, would you try to smoke this? I know I wouldn't. (Agri Fibre Industries)

Conclusion It is just a plant, just a very useful plant Existed and has been used for millennia Very useful and deserves 21 st century research Hemp is not intoxicating Growers can be reasonably regulated until a system can be established All processes could be located on site reducing need for transportation

Websites of Interest Opencongress.org - A site that allows you to easily write your congress members about house bills and other legislative matters Purehemp.com - A resource site with general information and links to other sites, professional and freelance Hemp-sisters.com – A resource/store site with general info and links, as well as various items for sale

Works Cited Diane. “hemp Hearts.” Photograph. Ingredientsforhealth.com. Blog. May. 21, Mar. 28, “Hemp Rope.” Photograph. Greenisuniversal.com. Store. Mar. 28, 2012 “Hemp Harvesting” Photograph. Willienelsonpri.com. Blog Mar. 28, 2012 “Indoor marijuana grow hemp beach tv hbtv” Photograph. Hempbeach.com. News and TV Mar. 31, 2012 “Hemp field better than soy” Photograph. Cannabissativa.com. cNews and information Mar. 31, 2012 “Cd and tray” Photograph. Hemphasis.net. Mar. 31, 2012 Keller, Brad. “ ” Photograph. Ketr.org. Radio station. Sep. 21, Apr. 2, 2012

Works Cited “Industrial hemp field 0126” Photograph. Rolledtootight.com. Blog. Mar. 31, 2012 “Seeds of love, Commercial hemp fiber” Photographs. Relegalize.info. News and information. Apr. 2, 2012 “Hemp rugs” Photograph. Furnaturehomedesign.com. Blog. Apr. 2, 2012 “Medipot states 20101” Diagram. Norml.org. Organization. Mar. 22, 2012