In 1937, congress placed limitations on growing hemp that all but effectively lead to a prohibition of hemp production in the United States. In order to grow hemp in the US you need a permission from the DEA. This permission has been described like a blind person trying to get drivers license, basically an impossible permission to get approved.
Most people assume that hemp is the same thing as the Marijuana that is smoked to get high. The fact is that THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol the main psychoactive substance in Marijuana) is less than 1% in the hemp plant and the current legal level for cultivation in the Canada and Europe is 0.3%. These THC levels are so low that you would have to smoke a bushel of Hemp to get high, In reality you would probably die of smoke inhalation before you would catch a buzz.
There is a growing movement to allow hemp production in the United States in the recent years. States like Vermont, Oregon and North Dakota have passed laws that would enable the farming of Hemp. These states and a growing number of people are beginning to see the environmental and personal benefits of hemp.
Hemp is a wonder plant. It can be used to green the manufacturing of a variety of products such as; paper, fabrics, bio-fuels, biodegradable plastics, food and oil.
But that's not the best part about hemp. It is truly one of the most sustainable plants. The plant has a very short growth cycle so it can be re-grown over and over during the growing season. The plant can be grown with little or no pesticides. It improves soil structure by replenishing the soil with nutrients. But the most interesting benefit of hemp has come out of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site where it has been planted to clean up the radioactive toxins from the ground using the process of phytoremediation.
In the use of cosmetic innovation Hemp seed oil is almost nirvana. It has been know to dramatically help with eczema. It contains a high amount of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), which makes it an important ingredient in anti-inflammatory skin care formulas. Hemp has also been found to have fantastic anti-aging and moisture balancing properties.
Hemp is an amazing plant, its sustainable, its healthy, its productive, and it can be a easy cash crop for farmers to grow. Maybe its time to search out hemp based products to make our world just a bit greener.
This information has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical cure for any illness. It is suggested that you consult with your physician regarding medical interactions.