Industrial HempWhy 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

Marijuana Industrial Hemp

(Small and Marcus 2002)

Comparison

Marijuana Industrial Hemp

Both types of plant are Cannabis sativa ,but are grown and have been bred differently

(Hemp Beach TV) (Rolled Too Tight)

Comparison

Marijuana Industrial 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 (250-400 plants/m2) the plants shade out weeds

• Studies have shown that it may actually improve soil health when used in rotation with other crops

Corn• 120-240 lbs/acre

Nitrogen• 25-125 lbs/acre

Phosphorus• 50-205 lbs/acre

Potassium

Hemp• 105-130 lbs/acre

Nitrogen• 45-70 lbs/acre

Phosphorus• 52-70 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 21st 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 CitedDiane. “hemp Hearts.” Photograph. Ingredientsforhealth.com. Blog. May. 21, 2010. Mar. 28, 2012.“Hemp Rope.” Photograph. Greenisuniversal.com. Store. Mar. 28, 2012“Hemp Harvesting” Photograph. Willienelsonpri.com. Blog. 2009. Mar. 28, 2012“Indoor marijuana grow hemp beach tv hbtv” Photograph. Hempbeach.com. News and TV. 2011. Mar. 31, 2012“Hemp field better than soy” Photograph. Cannabissativa.com. c News and information. 2011. Mar. 31, 2012“Cd and tray” Photograph. Hemphasis.net. Mar. 31, 2012Keller, Brad. “3358899-1315876954” Photograph. Ketr.org. Radio station. Sep. 21, 2010. 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