Legalizing the Growth of Industrial Hemp Essay example -- Industrial H

It is clearly seen today that the abolishment of hemp has not only hurt American farmers, but also affects every citizen’s day to day life. This plant has been used for thousands of years all around the world, but in recent years it has been morphed into the devil weed it is seen as today. The unfortunate cause of this view is the assumption that marijuana and industrial hemp are one in the same. This view does have some validity but that cannot outweigh the fact that these products are far from identical. The benefits of hemp cannot be replaced; it is simply a miracle plant. This one plant can efficiently produce fuel, paper, plastic, and fiber for fabrics with a better end product than what is currently used for these commodities. This tough plant that is inexpensive and easy to grow would not only save our farming industry and help our economy, but would also help to repair our environment. Legalizing the use of industrial hemp would solve economic and environmental issues in America by providing a domestic, sustainable, and renewable resource. It has been found that industrial hemp was used as far back as 8000 BC (). This plant has withstood the test of time and was utilized for thousands of years, but in the 20th century was banned from America. The reason for this ban and why it continues today is due to its comparison to other strains of the plant that can be used for medicinal or recreational purposes (J. McDougal). The comparison between these two strains put fear into the American people, but could not be further from the truth. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical in marijuana that has an intoxicating effect when consumed. Industrial hemp or feral hemp contains less than half of one percent THC (D. West), whe... ...." Applied Physics Research. 2.1 (2010): 139-143. Print. Kaiser, Jocelyn. "Pests overwhelm Bt cotton crop." American Association for the Advancement of Science. (1996): Print. Kane, Mari. "The Movement to Legalize Industrial Hemp." Marijuana. Ed. Joseph Tardiff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. "Legalize Hemp." Multinational Monitor. 19.4 (1998): 5. Print. McDougal, Jeanette. "The Hemp Movement: A Disguise for Legalizing Marijuana." Marijuana. Ed. Joseph Tardiff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. "The history and benefits of hemp." San Diego Earth Times. Earth Times, 1999. Web. 15 Nov 2010. West, David. "Hemp and Marijuana: Myths & Realities." naihc.org. NAIHC, 1998. Web. 15 Nov 2010.