I was surprised to see that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's vetoed an industrial hemp bill which would have allowed Californian farmers to legally produce and supply hemp seed.
Ironically hemp is the only crop that is allowed to be legally imported and yet is illegal to grow in the USA with the exception of North Dakota where the farming of industrial hemp is allowed.
This plant is not the same as the one grown as by producers of marijuana although it does contain very low levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the active component of marijuana. However, the levels are so low that this type of hemp would be impractical for the marijuana ‘industry’.
Industrial hemp is very environmentally friendly and has multiple uses. For more details please click here for a news article about this subject.
Reader Comments (3)
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-65), U.S. President.
Speech, 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representatives
October 20, 2007 | Kevin W.
I have very little hope for the future of humankind considering the fact that in the year 2007 we still cannot get marijuana right. Wouldn't you agree?
Sincerely,
Joseph Colangelo
October 25, 2007 | Joseph Colangelo
I tend to still be an optimist Joseph but I agree that there is still a lot of ignorance and prejudice in the world because many people do not take the time to consider the important issues of the day before venturing an opinion, and as such are swayed in their beliefs by what they read in the newspapers and see on TV which is often inaccurate.
I personally do not use marijuana or any other drug but I don't condemn those who do. The issue with hemp is an example of public opinion being swayed based on the unfounded prejudices of other people.
October 26, 2007 | Warren Matthews