I come to you with concerns regarding the overwhelming use of marijuana, and how you can help. I speak primarily of the lacking U.S. presence in the industrial hemp market. This absence, or rather this opposition to the hemp industry, has spread through the government like wildfire. As a senator, you have the power to assist the sick, poor, and uneducated.
Hemp has long been used all over the world, and the United States has experimented as well - the country's founding fathers understood and advocated its use. In fact, the USS Constitution's rope, sails, and 25-inch anchor rope were all made of hemp (for a total of nearly 60 tons). During World War II, hemp became so vital that its farmers were actually excused from any military duty. In 1942, the U.S. Department of Agriculture even produced a film, “Hemp for Victory,” promoting hemp production. However, in 1957, the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Domestic Cannabis Eradication and Suppression Program (DCE/SP) was enforced, which included a complete ban on hemp production. The program has since proven unnecessary and even harmful to the United States and its citizens, but it remains active. One of the DEA's primary reasons for the DCE/SP is a fear of the psychoactive properties of marijuana, caused by the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, hemp contains minimal amounts of THC, (less than 1%) as opposed to “smoking” marijuana, which usually contains about 3%. What this means is that the hemp which grows naturally (without cultivation) is not the same kind of marijuana that people smoke. When marijuana was banned by the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, industrial hemp was banished with it, “in a blatant case of mistaken identity”.
This has allowed the DEA to consistently destroy hemp in ridiculous quantities. A report from 1996 states that, of 422,716,526 marijuana plants destroyed that year, over 99% were non-psychoactive hemp, or ditchweed. In fact, about 98% of the marijuana destroyed every year is considered ditchweed. This may seem to be relatively unimportant, but the benefits of industrial hemp are infinite. Its yield per acre far exceeds those of corn and cotton, which leaves the soil healthy enough to use multiple times. Additionally, it requires a fraction of the pesticides used on other crops. Not only would it be possible to have an endless supply of hemp, but it can be used for nearly everything. Currently, over 30 countries harvest commercial hemp, but the United States government has refused to take part. The crop is used on a daily basis in the United States, but all of it is imported from the countries that do regulate hemp, such as Canada. According to a statement by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the United States imports nearly two million pounds of hemp fiber, seeds, and oil per year. As a food source, hemp seeds have been eaten for some 12,000 years and contain higher essential amino and fatty acid concentrations than any other food.
As a fiber or fabric, it can be used for military work as well as for clothing. Compared to cotton, hemp is warmer, more durable, and softens faster. Hemp is also flame retardant, and can be used by the textile, paper, plastic, and insulation industries, as well as many others. The reasons for industrializing hemp are endless, but, unfortunately, so are the DEA's moves to prevent that from ever happening. The DCE/SP is fueled almost entirely by the fact that marijuana can, if grown correctly, possess psychotropic properties, which proves that the DEA has disregarded nearly all scientific proof, as well as the benefits of joining the market. Aside from just eliminating useful crop, the program is a burden to taxpayers. The industrialization of hemp would boost the economy through increased production in nearly every market. Instead, the DEA spends several million tax dollars a year on eliminating ditchweed.
Additionally, the methods used for eradicating the plant, which presents absolutely no threat to public safety, are harmful to the nation's human, animal, and plant populations. Industrializing hemp would completely change paper production and fewer trees would be cut down. This would then increase oxygen production, and perhaps even delay global warming. The DEA, however, spreads chemicals via low-flying airplanes in order to destroy the hemp, a serious threat to public safety. Studies have shown that the aerial application of chemicals is at fault for pesticide-related illnesses, and extensive damage to nearby forests and ecosystems. Something must be done before it's too late.
Unfortunately, with every breakthrough, there come setbacks. While the negative aspects of industrial hemp in the United States are few and far between, they do exist. First and foremost, the industrialization of hemp would completely destroy the cotton industry. Hemp could easily replace cotton, in every which way, and would pick up slack in other areas as well. Cotton only makes up for 1% of the United States' farmland, however it is incredibly damaging to the soil and uses nearly 50% of all pesticides. Additionally, three acres of cotton would produce what just one acre of hemp could do. Conquering the cotton industry implies that hemp would also take over the fashion industry. This part has already begun, seen in the extensive use of canvas (Arabic for “hemp”) by brand name companies. Another potential issue with the United States' industrialization of hemp is the considerable amount of competition with the 30+ countries who have already established their place in the market. Countries such as Canada and China could possibly prevent the U.S. from gaining extensive power in the market. Finally, industrializing hemp could negatively affect politicians on a personal level. Hemp is directly associated with marijuana and, at the present time, that is not something many political figures would like to be connected with.
Personally, I think the positive aspects of taking part in the hemp industry far outweigh the negative. Even if the cotton industry went under in a day, hemp's domination over other crops would allow for countless jobs in farming, manufacturing, and even retail. The use of hemp would boost trade, and thus the economy, as well as provide another natural, renewable resource for the United States. Hemp is relatively low maintenance, but really can be used for just about everything. Its production rate would provide for an incredibly large supply, indicating a relatively low price, which would allow for small farmers to take part as well. So, if the United States industrialized hemp it would ease the stress of fossil fuel availability, provide an efficient source for energy, reduce the use and presence of pesticides, preserve forests, and conserve soil. Additionally, it would increase oxygen production, decrease landfill use, and even provide a biodegradable fiber for carpets.
It's difficult to communicate the urgency on paper, but we must act soon. The United States government, specifically the DEA, has twisted the truth and completely violated the trust between a country and its people. The use of hemp throughout history, even just within the United States, should have proven enough long ago. There exists a plant that grows faster, better, and stronger than corn, wheat, or cotton. It can be used for everything from food to clothing to fuel, and has yet to show any signs of danger. It is naturally abundant, and its structure prevents weed growth. Its industrial use would create countless jobs, boost the economy and international trade, and even provide in-land production of goods we currently import. Hemp may very well be what this country needs to get things back in order and start fresh. I sincerely hope you consider this crisis the next time you are voting for farming subsidies or a tax-related decision.
Thank you for your time.
