Hemp is not marijuana; hemp can boost our economy

By Desiree Matthies
Source: my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper


What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Marijuana is the flower with the higher concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and hemp is the low-THC oilseed and fibers. Hemp can be used for many purposes including food, clothing, shoes and paper. We are missing out on a crop that could put America back on its feet. Hemp is illegal to grow in the U.S, but is grown industrially in almost every other industrialized country.

Hemp was once legal however, during WWII. The armed forces suffered a fiber shortage and the government allowed the production of hemp for clothing and other commercial products. But after the war the industry died; the last legal crop was harvested in 1957. If there was a time to rebuild the hemp industry, it would be now.

America is scared to use hemp because of its association with marijuana and the risk to the already booming paper industry. If hemp were to be a legal and usable resource, the paper industry may be in trouble because paper made of hemp could reduce the use of conventional paper because the hemp plant can grow at faster rates and can be reused and recycled over and over again. If hemp were to replace paper, trees wouldn’t have to be cut down and natural habitats for animals would still be here today. 

Hemp can be used for many more things than just paper; it can be used for twine, rope, clothing, shoes and food. Hemp can produce more than 25,000 products in the U.S. 

As a food, hemp is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Only flax seeds contain more omega-3 than hemp seeds. The hemp nut also is 33 percent high-quality protein, which provides all essential amino acids for the body, making it an excellent substitute in a vegetarian diet. Hemp also contains a good amount of vitamin E and traces of vital minerals including iron, magnesium and manganese. 

Hemp can also be used for clothing. Hemp clothing products can be found in many stores and all over the internet. But why hemp instead of our normal cotton or silk? Hemp is one of the most durable natural fibers and it’s also less expensive due to its minimal growth requirements. But hemp can be blended with other fibers for different garments. Hemp is also very light-weight and absorbent. The well known company Toms even makes some of their shoes with hemp. 

The production of hemp could be legalized again by purchasing hemp based products. Supply will follow demand. Hemp is a promising cash crop and could put America back on track.