Growing Agricultural Hemp on an Experimental Basis

¶ … growing agricultural hemp on an experimental basis for three years. Specifically, it will discuss the findings so that a Montana congressional representative can craft a bill and present a case before her fellow legislators. Agricultural or "industrial" hemp growth has mounting support in the United States, from farmers, businesspeople, and educators, to name a few. Industrial hemp is used in a variety of products, and growing hemp is a viable cash-crop alternative for farmers who have seen their incomes decline in recent years.

Agricultural hemp is far removed from its' distant cousin, marijuana, and it should be considered as a viable alternative for Montana farmers who need to rejuvenate their fields and their livelihoods. Growing Agricultural Hemp - An Analysis The cultivation of hemp for industrial use is not a new idea. Americans have been cultivating the hemp plant for hundreds of years, and it was not until 1937 that the Marijuana Prohibitive Tax Act outlawed the growing of hemp.

Before that Act, hemp was grown extensively in eight states in the U.S., and provided a decent livelihood for the farmers who raised it (Kane 36). Historically, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp, in fact, Washington was a strong advocate for the plant, saying "make the most you can of the Indian hemp seed. Sow it everywhere'" (Kane 36).

In fact, hemp forms a vital thread in the roots of our democracy, because "it was used in the paper on which the Declaration of Independence was written, in Betsy Ross' first flag and in early Ford cars" ("It's Definitely Not Your" 15). In addition, growing hemp was legalized again in the U.S. during World War II because many of its uses, such as oil for greasing mechanical equipment, rope, and cloth were vital to the wartime economy. Contrary to popular misconception, the hemp plant is not marijuana.

Known by the botanical name "cannabis sativa," hemp does not contain the narcotic qualities of marijuana, and so its growth is not dangerous to the community. While many people believe growing hemp is just like growing marijuana, there are numerous differences. Hemp grows taller than marijuana, and they are spaced quite close together in the fields, unlike marijuana, which is spaced out for optimum leaf growth. In addition, hemp produces more flowers and seeds, while marijuana cultivation is mainly concerned with unfertilized female plants, which create more leaves (Thevenot).

Hemp also does not produce the narcotic high associated with marijuana, and so its' bad reputation as a hallucinogenic is unfounded. The most a person smoking hemp would get is a headache, or an upset stomach, according to numerous experts. While the two plants are cousins, hemp does not contain the chemical THC, which is what creates the hallucinogenic properties in marijuana.

Thus, growing hemp for industrial uses is quite far removed from cultivating marijuana, which is why so many states are looking at legislation to legalize the agricultural growth of hemp for industrial purposes. Industry uses hemp in a wide variety of products, "as many as 25,000, including rope, clothing, diapers, car parts and carpet. Oil from the seeds is used in shampoo, beer, vitamins, and lip balm" ("It's Definitely Not Your" 15). The plant has gained in popularity and notoriety in the past decade.

One hemp advocate notes, "Hemp sales grew from $5 million in 1993 to $75 million in 1995, according to Hemptech, a California firm that tracks the industry. Hemptech is projecting sales of $200 million in 1997, and $600 million by 2001" (Thevenot). Many manufacturers in America use hemp for many different products, including designer clothing and shoes.

Many cheap alternatives have also sprung up, including banana fiber, Manila hemp, cotton and flax, which has led to the creation of the True Hemp Certification Council, (THCC) "a group representing companies that use 'the real thing' and label their products accordingly" (Elvin 16). Hemp production is a growth industry around the world, and American farmers are losing revenue to foreign nations that allow the growth of hemp, such as Great Britain, France, and Spain.

While several state legislators have enacted legislation to study the growth of industrial hemp for their farmers, the U.S. Government only currently allows the state of Hawaii to grow hemp for study. However, some universities are also growing the plant for further study, and proponents believe hemp should be legalized so American farmers can reap the benefits of growing hemp, rather then sending the profits to overseas growers.

One Vermont farmer noted, "If it were legal to grow it, we sure would take a look at opportunities, what the economics are,'" (Elvin 16). In addition, studies have shown that growing hemp in the U.S. would cut the cost considerably to manufacturers, while giving farmers a viable alternative to other cash crops whose values have been diminishing. "It is estimated that the cultivation of the fiber on U.S. soil would trim the price by 75%, while adding to the array of cash crops farmers could choose from" (Andrews).

While many believe the growing of hemp and ultimately legalizing marijuana are forever entwined, as has been shown, hemp and marijuana are different plants with.