Editorial
Source: heraldnet.com
On Earth Day last week, a writer on the USA Today opinion page argued for the use of paper in classrooms because studies show students learn better when reading and writing on paper, as opposed to using electronic screens. (A belief apparently not shared by New York City public schools, which just signed a $30 million contract with Amazon to provide e-books for students.) The benefits of paper to students outweigh the environmental cost to trees, wrote Tal Gross, an assistant professor of health policy and management at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
A lot of evidence makes a strong argument for paper: Working on paper makes us more productive, receptive and attentive, Gross writes. In one experiment, a team of Norwegian researchers randomly assigned 72 students to read either a passage on paper or on a computer screen. Those who read the passage on paper scored much better on a comprehension test. Another study found that students who take notes on paper learn more from lectures than students who take notes with a laptop; other research has found that people who doodle during lectures or meetings do better on memory tests.
We agree completely about the importance of paper, and offer an easy solution to the concern about trees: Hemp. Industrial hemp. Make paper out of hemp, the way our founding fathers did. Thousands of products can be made from hemp — paper is one of the more well known ones. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper. Hemp can be made into paper more easily, and with fewer chemicals than wood. The paper itself is stronger and longer-lasting.
Commercially grown industrial hemp would provide a big boost to our economy, as it did until the 1950s when it was effectively banned by high taxes. In 2011, the U.S. imported $11.5 million worth of legal hemp products, up from $1.4 million in 2000. Most of that growth was seen in hemp seed, which is used in food. American farmers and industry are being shut out of a lucrative market as more than 30 countries, including Canada, grow hemp as an agricultural commodity.
And now we hit the really crazy part: While cannabis — the psychoactive cousin to the non-psychoactive hemp plant — has been legalized by many states and Washington, D.C. for medical and recreational purposes, growing agricultural hemp for clothing, food and other products remains mired in the “research” phase. What's to research? Let the would-be growers and sellers do their own research, since it's being grown all over the world, except here.
Even crazier — the federal government is actually ahead of the Evergreen State on this one: In the 2014 Farm Bill, Congress approved research and pilot programs in states that have approved their own bills allowing hemp research and pilot programs. (Maddeningly, the federal action was, in part, “intended to determine whether commercial production of hemp would be beneficial for American farmers and businesses.” The answer is yes.)
Against this backdrop, the Washington Legislature this year finally passed its own industrial hemp bill, “in accordance with the agricultural act of 2014.” So in other words, more research, more pilot projects. Round and round we go. In a state where medical and recreational cannabis are legal.
It shouldn't be this difficult for a farmer or entrepreneur to enter a time-proven industry. Hemp has been grown for more than 12,000 years. It cannot make a person “high.” It does make better paper than trees. Both Washingtons need to remove any restrictions for growing hemp, for the love of George Washington, who grew the crop without the benefit of governmental research and pilot programs.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Is there Hope for Hemp on an International Level?
By kathy Garton
Source: marijuanatimes.org
Source: marijuanatimes.org
It is estimated that more than 25,000 products are made from industrial hemp. Hemp is an agricultural product that replaces the need for a hydrocarbon with a natural carbohydrate. Basically, petroleum could be replaced with hemp. This may be an unbelievable statement for many US citizens to comprehend, but it is true. Sometimes the most obvious solutions are right under our noses.
The largest hemp producing countries include:
- China
- Germany
- Hungary
- Poland
- Sweden
- France
- Philippines
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Austria
- Chile
There has been very little research done on the benefits of growing hemp on a global scale. This, in part, comes from the prohibition of its cultivation by the United Nations in 1961. Although the ban was lifted in the 1990s, few countries want to chance the restrictions again. After all, the United States still has strict limitations on growing hemp.
The countries listed above produce hemp mainly for the production of fabric, paper, building materials, beauty aids and food products. The United States imported $36.9 million in hemp for manufacturing in 2013, a six-fold increase from 2005. As more people are turning away from additives that include petroleum-based ingredients, hemp oil and hemp fiber are the perfect substitutes.
On a larger scale, the possibility of replacing crude oil with hemp is a subject that few in the international world want to touch. Although this would alleviate a lot of problems with sustainable energy, the political aspects are too complex and expensive to chance. To date, Sweden is the only country that has been brave enough to test the waters. They offer hemp briquettes for fueling. Made up of hemp shivs, there are less sulfur compounds emitted than the burning of oil fuel or coal.
One report written by the US Congressional Research Service downplays the potential market for hemp growers in the United States, citing USDA studies conducted. Also, researchers of The University of Kentucky made this prediction, “short run employment opportunities evolving from a new Kentucky hemp industry appear limited because of continued uncertainty in the industry.” All reports and studies share the same conclusion, that further analysis and production research is needed. Basically, there has been no concrete testing done to determine a reliable conclusion.
Pollution, global warming, forest sustainability and GMOs are some of the hot topics that the American government is focused on today. These concerns have flowed over into the international community, as well. What if we could significantly decrease all of these problems in one wide swoop? Until the US and the UN are willing to investigate the benefits of hemp in shortening the carbon cycle, conserving our forests, increasing sustainable agriculture and reducing pollution, we will continue to follow the road of hydrocarbon production.
SOURCES:
Hemp Insulation: The Healthy Alternative for You and Your Home
By Kathy Garton
Source: marijuanatimes.org
Source: marijuanatimes.org
Every year thousands of Americans add fiberglass batts to interior walls, under floors and above ceilings to become more energy-efficient. However, this recommended material is made up of fibrous glass and has proven to be a potential health risk to occupants. Particles from fiberglass batts that are released into the air create skin and eye irritations, and a host of respiratory problems.
Hemp insulation is an alternative to fiberglass and holds many more quality factors. First off, hemp has the ability to absorb moisture. Fiberglas becomes ineffective when dampness is present and also makes a perfect climate for mold and mildew. Secondly, hemp is fire resistant. Fiberglass insulation will burn and let off toxic fumes to not only to those close by, but also to the environment. Thirdly, insects cannot penetrate hemp insulation and will be deterred from entering a home.
The manufacturing of fiberglass releases carcinogenic substances into the air, furthering damage to the atmosphere. Although found to be a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program in 1994, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reduced this classification due to lack of evidence in 2001. In addition, the production of fiberglass requires a rare mineral called Boron. At the rate of extraction for making fiberglass, this precious mineral is expected to be depleted in less than 60 years.
While the argument continues regarding the dangers of fiberglass, no one can argue the fact that this material does have a definite effect on the respiratory system and the irritation to skin. By replacing this questionable man-made substance with insulation created from natural hemp, several hidden truths of fiberglass could be brought to light.
With the U-value and the R-value of hemp being equal or better than that of suspected dangerous fiberglass, it only makes sense to surround buildings with environmentally-friendly hemp. Many countries are currently using hemp insulation as a safe and energy-efficient means of better regulating interior temperatures, controlling sick-building syndrome and protecting the environment. Currently, it is illegal to grow commercial hemp inside of the US for making hemp insulation. Several states are currently active in changing legislation that would allow farmers to grow commercial hemp as an alternative to fiberglass and other building materials.
SOURCES:
CALIFORNIA DISTILLERY CREATES CANNABIS VODKA
By Amy Hopkins
Source: thespiritsbusiness.com
Source: thespiritsbusiness.com
California’s Humboldt Distillery is the latest spirits producer to launch a cannabis-infused vodka, called Humboldt’s Finest.
Newly launched Humboldt’s Finest is infused with cannabis stavia
The vodka is infused with cannabis stavia and made with local and legally grown hemp, which is distinguished from marijuana by having a THC content less than 0.3%.
Humboldt’s Finest is distributed by Young’s Market Co. and the newly Breakthru Beverage Group and is available throughout California and Colorado.
Said to have a “unique botanical aroma”, “herbal character” and “smooth finish”, the vodka joins Humboldt’s range organic vodka and spiced rum.
The distillery said it decided to create the variant due to “consumer demand” for “local flavour” and was able to launch Humboldt’s Finest following the passage of the 2014 United States Farm Bill, which distinguishes hemp from marijuana.
“Humboldt’s Finest doesn’t have the THC that you’d find in marijuana, so it’s not going to get anyone in trouble with the law,” said Abe Stevens, founder of Humboldt Distillery.
“It does, however, retain an herbal and aromatic quality reminiscent of fresh cannabis, which inspired us to create two brand new specialty cocktails to showcase its unique flavour.”
Humboldt Distillery also intends to release an organic vodka and aged rum.
Merkley, Wyden greet key win for industrial hemp
Source: ktvz.com
Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-ore., announced Friday that included in the Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations committee bill is an amendment offered by Merkley to prevent the federal government from interfering with the implementation of state laws on the cultivation of industrial hemp.
A total of 27 states now allow farmers to cultivate hemp, but farmers in those states still face the uncertainty that the Drug Enforcement Agency could take legal action against them.
“It’s ridiculous that the federal government is still standing in the way of states that have made the decision to allow industrial hemp farming,” said Merkley. “Industrial hemp has the potential to create jobs and research opportunities here in Oregon and it’s time for the federal government to get out of the way.”
“Ending restrictions on industrial hemp is pro-environment, pro-business, pro-farmer and pro-commonsense,” Wyden said. “That’s why I’ve been proud to work with Senator Merkley on this, and on our legislation that would stop the unfair punishment of hemp entrepreneurs and farmers in Oregon and nationwide. After all, if you can buy hemp at the local supermarket in Oregon, American farmers should be able to grow it.”
Industrial hemp is used to make everything from rope and cloth to oil and soap. Hemp products account for over $600 million in annual domestic sales, and while hemp has the potential to be a multi-billion dollar domestic crop, we instead have to import all of our hemp from places like Canada and China.
Thursday’s amendment passed out of the Appropriations committee on a bipartisan voice vote. This same amendment passed with strong bipartisan support in the House last year by a 282-146 margin.
Merkley and Wyden were joined by Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul to introduce the Industrial Hemp Farming Act that would allow American farmers to grow and profit from industrial hemp.
Specifically, the bill would remove hemp from the Schedule I controlled substance list under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, and would define it as a non-drug so long as it contained less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The following states have enacted laws allowing for the cultivation of industrial hemp: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Christian County Processor Providing a Market for Hemp
By Lisa Autry
Source: wkms.org
Source: wkms.org
A western Kentucky business is bringing industrial hemp to market. Kentucky Hemp Works has opened a processing facility in Christian County.
Owner Katie Moyer says workers are taking hemp seed and turning it into oil that can be used in a number of products, including salves and lip balms infused with the roots of the crop. She also says 'firestarters' and body lotions are in the works.
Kentucky Hemp Works is the first hemp processor to locate in western Kentucky. Some of the state’s farmers and universities are in their third year of testing industrial hemp as a potential cash crop.
"Quite frankly a lot of farmers aren't going to want to put seeds in the ground if they don't think that there's a market for it. So we need to develop those markets. We need to show farmers and elected officials that there is a market for these things," Moyer says.
Growing hemp without a federal permit was banned in 1970 due to its classification as a controlled substance related to marijuana.
Hemp got a limited reprieve with the federal farm bill, which allows state agriculture departments to designate hemp projects for research.
According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the state has 35 processors participating in a pilot program allowed under the federal farm bill.
Daily Infographic: On The Future of Cannabis Investing
By T. E. Wing
Source: anewdomain.net
Source: anewdomain.net
The future of cannabis investing is a lot brighter than you think. Check out the infographic below. It’s our featured daily infographic for today, April 20, 2016, otherwise known as Weed Day 2016. Nice work from the folks atVisualCapitalist.com.
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