THE SOAP BOX BLOG
The Hemp Controversy ~ does it begin and end with THC?
What the heck is the difference between Hemp and marijuana? And what’s the big deal about growing it commercially in America?
It’s been a little over a year since marijuana was legalized here in Colorado. LOTS of money has been made by the dispensaries and consumers seem happy, but public opinion on the subject is as varied as the folks you ask. Colorado has neighboring states angry and our Federal government finds itself at odds with State law. With so many ‘facts’ flying around, I decided to do a little research on the subject in hopes of debunking a few myths and becoming more properly informed on the topic. Many of you may already know all this, but here’s what I’ve learned.
Myth: Hemp and Marijuana are the same.
Yep.
Turns out, this is true….“Marijuana and hemp both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but are different varieties…” (FAQ’s VoteHemp). Put simply, it’s the difference between a Poodle and a Great Dane…both dogs, different breeds. Hemp and marijuana both contain the controversial chemical THC…just in measurably different potencies which are, by law, monitored. One gets you high, the other couldn’t if it tried!
Myth: The Cannabis industry is a relatively new economic opportunity here in the US and therefore should be subject to rigorous research regarding its economic viability and social implication.
Wrong.
So this is where it gets interesting. Way back in the 1700’s, because of its incredibly diverse applications, American colonists were required to plant hemp in order to help build our young country. In fact, it was considered patriotic to do so. And get this, George Washington, along with having his own hemp plantation, made it possible for Americans to pay their taxes with the stuff (Will). Seems George was taking the term ‘cash crop’ to a whole new level.
In the article, The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America (and yes, this is a real article!), there are all sorts of interesting historical facts about hemp in America. Another I found particularly interesting was the fact that commercially grown hemp met its demise in the mid 1950’s with the advent of synthetic fibers. Right up there with detergents, also developed in the 50’s, synthetic fibers were toted as the “way of the future”. (but we’ll leave the discussion of the 1950’s scientific advancements in America for another day…)
History shows that between the 1700’s and the 1950’s hemp was put to work building our nation; fighting wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWI, WWII) and actually supplying the fibers for the fabric of our country….drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper (Will).
Great for back then, but what good is it to us nowadays? Well, from what I have read, there are countless economic and global opportunities connected with growing commercialized hemp in America, starting with its relatively small environmental footprint. Requiring few pesticides and no herbicides, this ancient plant has far reaching modern applications. Forget, for a moment, the medicinal uses of hemp’s cousin, marijuana. Paper, clothing, beauty products, fuel, foods, plastics, building materials… the list is endless as to the uses of hemp. Not to say anything about the potential it has, much like its cousin, of contributing billions of dollars to our economy.
Why indeed, Henry? Once upon a time, the powers that be in America understood the distinction between hemp and marijuana and capitalized on the benefits for the betterment of all. Left with more questions then I started with…I have to wonder, why is the United States the only industrialized nation where growing commercial hemp is illegal? Politics, money, and special interest group’s come to mind….oh, and did I mention politics?
“Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs.” Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.
Will, Oscar. “The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America.” Farm Collector. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.
To shop our fine Hemp Seed Oil soaps, click the banner below.
