...The World’s Most Understood Crop: Industrial Hemp and its Economic Benefits When most people hear the word hemp the first thing that comes to mind is marijuana. While hemp and marijuana are of the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa, they are different plants with their own chemical makeup. Hemp has been known as one of the world’s greatest agricultural crops of all time with a wide variety of uses. Unfortunately the United States still sees hemp as drug and the manufacturing of hemp is still illegal today. The United States is outlawing one of the most economically beneficial and functional crops of all times because of its cousin marijuana. Hemp was the world’s greatest agricultural crop for more than 1000 years before Christ until 1883 AD (Herer). The manufacturing and cultivation of hemp has been used for thousands of products and many different industries including producing a majority of the world’s fabric, fiber, oil, paper, and even food. The earliest known fabric was made of hemp around 8000 BC (Herer). Ninety percent of all ships' sails from at least the fifth century BC until long after the invention of the steam engines in the mid- to late-19th century were made from hemp (Herer). Many of the ships’ logs, maps, and charts were made on hemp paper from the time of Columbus to the early 1900s (Herer). In the first century AD, the Chinese found that hemp paper lasted 50 to 100 times longer than most preparations of papyrus and that it was 100 times easier and cheaper...
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...TEN TIPS OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS WRITING AND REPORTING BY PAUL HEMP. BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS WRITING TIPS BY TO PAUL HEMP Paul Hemp is an experienced and innovative writer, editor and communications executive. Currently he is the director of Global Thought Leadership at HCL Technologies. In his book, Ten Practical Tips for Business and Economic Reporting in Developing Economy, Mr. Paul Hemp talks about the ten Hemp rules. These rules are aimed at making business and economic stories, understandable and interesting. According to Hemp, The basic problem with business and economic news is that they are complicated and boring. Complicated news bores people. A journalist must make it understandable and interesting. He adds that the three rules of making stories understandable are explain, explain and explain. This former Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review, says in his book that Business, financial or economics journalists could improve the effectiveness of their communication if they followed a few simple rules: 1. Use statistics sparingly 2. Avoid economic jargon 3. Define economic terms 4. Compare statistics 5. Turn statistics into stories 6. Humanize business news 7. Generate unusual business story ideas 8. Go beyond the press release 9. Get the other side to a business story 10. Show the significance of business news 1. Use statistics sparingly A financial, business or economics journalist should always use numbers sparingly in his...
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...Memorandum Industrial Hemp Introduction Would you not think it to be logical that if there was a plant that could save the environment, that it would be legal to cultivate? Well, the miracle plant hemp possesses all the characteristics to benefit our society in many ways from the production of clothes, to alternative, more efficient forms of energy, yet it remains illegal to produce in the U.S. Hemp can be used for so many different things that are better that and more environmentally friendly than what we are using today, and this displays why the cultivation of hemp should be legalized. Background I bought a backpack last year which was made almost entirely of hemp, which led me to become more curious about this plant which is most often associated with a drug. I started to do more research about this plant to become informed of its many uses and found many interesting facts about the utility of hemp in many aspects of modern day life. The only problem with this plant is that it is not legal because it is related to the drug marijuana, but what people don’t know that they are two completely different plants. There are many different uses for hemp; the two largest being paper and clothing. We are cutting down so many trees in our forests to make paper with when we could just grow hemp that grows in almost any condition and up to four times faster than our current resources, meaning that we would be able to supply more paper while using less resources in a more cost...
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...tax revenue per year, according to a 2013 study from Cato Institute in Washington D.C. Purpose (state specific purpose, relate topic to audience and establish credibility): Throughout the years, we have yet to legalize cannabis after all the facts of this topic have been completely laid out. It’s time we take this industry into our country’s hands and not let it go unregulated and untaxed. State Thesis & Main Points: The legalization of cannabis would be another step closer to the way out of this economic crisis our country is in today. the regulation of this product would bring economic improvement, new-found resources, and medical aid. however, we must establish both the positive and the negative sides to truly comprehend this movement. Body (3-5 MAIN POINTS PREFERRED (USE ONLY COMPLETE SENTENCES I. MAIN POINT (state as a single declarative sentence): A major upside in the legalization of cannabis is the benefit of economic improvement. A. SUBPOINT: Legalizing this drug would bring about millions to billions of dollars in tax revenue. 1. Marijuana growers account for 14 billion dollars a year in sales in CA, making it the states most valuable cash crop which is a perfect reason to tax it. a. Economist Stephen Easton estimated in 2012 that legal marijuana could be a 45-100 billion dollar industry b. Adding the tax to this industry would bring substantial growth to the already massive amount of money that the product...
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...decline due to soil erosion, drought, and costs to income ratios. The cultivation of hemp will restore our economy and environment. In the article titled “The Forgotten History of Hemp,” author Jack Herer claims that: Farming only six percent of continental US acreage with hemp could end America’s dependence on fossil fuels. Capable of producing ten tons of biomass per acre in four months without chemical fertilizers, hemp-energy farms could return billions of dollars’ worth of natural resource potential back to the farmers and bring millions of jobs back to America’s heartland. (Herer) The cultivation itself helps farmers, as no chemicals...
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...qualities that marijuana has. Relying on the facts found to ultimately come to a conclusion on whether or not legalization would positively effect our country. Introduction Background Information The legalizing of marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes will have significant benefits for smokers and non-smokers, the economy, and the population. Currently any production, sale, distribution, or consumption of the drug marijuana is illegal in forty-eight states in the nation. Legalizing marijuana in this situation would mean executing the same or similar laws as are imposed on to alcohol. “On November 6, 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the sale and possession of cannabis for recreational use since the Marijuana Tax act of 1937 when they passed Colorado Amendment 64 and Washington Initiative 502” (Szalavitz). The few states that have legalized marijuana are instituting practices to integrate the substance into society. To continue, consumption of marijuana would be illegal as well as the purchase of the substance by minors under the age of 21. Driving or performing certain tasks under the influence of the drug would be illegal and result in criminal consequences. The unlicensed sale of the drug, or any sale to minors will be illegal as well. The personal production or growth of the substance would be legal and untaxed permitting that the product is not sold or distributed for money. Legalization offers an...
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...(Legalizing Hemp) Using Hemp to Boost Kentucky’s Economy It’s no secret the economy is failing. On both a state level and national level, but what Kentuckians don’t realize is how easy it would be to fix our economy. Since the decline of tobacco production in the state of Kentucky, producers have been forced to do two things. Either replace their tobacco and find a new crop to plant or get a new job and stop producing anything. However, with my solution the need to replace tobacco can be filled and the economy can grow. But how can we save a dying economy? Simple, we replace tobacco with industrial hemp. Industrial Hemp production will boost the economy, replace tobacco, and provide a stable income for Kentucky Producers. In order to be able to produce industrial hemp in Kentucky, we first must legalize it. To help legalize industrial hemp we have to be able to connect with members of the media along with lawmakers to explain why industrial hemp is necessary to re-build Kentucky. I propose that Kentuckians encourage local representatives, senators, congressmen/women etc. to vote to allow the legal production of industrial hemp in Kentucky and the United States. Recently, the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, James Comer, has been working hard to legalize industrial hemp. In February of 2013, the industrial hemp bill passed the Kentucky Senate and then moved to Kentucky Legislatures. In March of 2013, Kentucky Legislatures passed the regulation of industrial hemp in Kentucky...
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...The Beneficial Uses of Hemp Following my father's death, I felt there was some unfinished business that we had not discussed. I searched to find some of my father's thoughts and feeling that I could justify our relationship through. Ironically, I came across a manila envelope, which had contained some of his prized possessions. As I searched through it, I developed a new opinion of the bio mass plant called "Hemp." There were articles showing a hemp bills being passed and farmers wanting to cultivate it within Delta County. There was also a book called "The Emperor Wears No Clothes." It was a book stating compelling facts about the miracle crop Hemp." An article struck me. It told of, Woody Harrison, a well-known actor stating, "He would pick up the tab for Colorado's first hemp crop if state legislators approve the crop." He also stated that you could smoke a pound of it and not get high. (Rice)" In addition 4.6 million members of the American Farm Bureau Federation support Hemp 100 percent. Hemp could be the most abundant natural resource, it can replace 80% of our fossil fuels, and be used for many major medicinal purposes (Kriho). It is essential that we stop the use of all fossil fuels, and deforestation to save Mother Earth. This can be accomplished with the cannabis plant hemp seizing pollution and provide the world with more than enough of its energy needs. According to Jack Herer, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, we're not only the founders of our...
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...Explain why this agency and your proposed regulation interests you (briefly). The Oregon Department of Agriculture Laws Authorizing Commercial Hemp Cultivation Year Passed: 2009 Summary: The Oregon Legislature approved Senate Bill 676 which "Permits production and possession of industrial hemp and trade in industrial hemp commodities and products." (norml.org) 2. Will this proposed regulation affect you or the business in which you are working? If so, how? This bill affects me as a citizen, a teacher, a mother and as an environmentalist. In each role, I have a vested interest in the state's economic health and outlook. Several Oregon-based companies (Living Harvest, The Merry Hempsters, Wilderness Poets, Earthbound Creations, Sweetgrass Natural Fibers, Sympatico Clothing, Mama's Herbal Soaps and Hempire.) have been growing hemp food and body care products that are estimated to be $113 million in North American annual retail sales by the Hemp Industries Association (HIA). (Strutton 2009) The HIA estimates the 2008 annual retail sales of all hemp products in North America to be about $360 million. By allowing U.S. farmers to once again grow hemp, legislators can clear the way for a "New Billion-Dollar Crop." By allowing Oregon farmers (and currently unemployed loggers) to grow hemp has a strong chance of increasing the economic health of Oregon. The problem lies with the Department of Agriculture. They refuse to move forward with the bill (that was voted in and approved...
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...Hemp In the entire world, there has never been a plant quite as amazing as Cannabis Sativa. Being the world’s only renewable resource capable of solving many of it’s environmental, psychological, and economic problems, it is of no surprise that the plant has made quite an impact in the discovery of the New World. Cannabis Sativa, also known as; Hemp, cannabis hemp, Indian (India) hemp, true hemp, muggles, weed, pot, marijuana, reefer, grass, ganja, bhang, "the kind," dagga, and herb became an ideal plant to cultivate because of its many fine attributes. Depending on the culture, It’s leaves and flower tops were the first, second, or third most important and most used medicines for at least two thirds of the world’s people for at least 3,000 years. Cannabis hemp is by far, the strongest, most durable, longest lasting natural soft fiber, and the worlds most advanced plant family on the planet. Because it is Dioecious, having male, female and sometimes hermaphroditic qualities, it is easy to grow and cultivate. This tall, woody, herbaceous annual, reaching anywhere from 12 to 20 feet in one short growing season uses the sun more efficiently that any other plant on earth. It can be grown in any climate or soil condition on Earth, and is a premier renewable natural resource. Many countries found the plant appealing because of it’s abilities to flourish in extreme heat. The Arabs discovered that the sticky goo, or Hashish, that covered the flowers and leaves was a natural...
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...alcohol and tobacco. Today there are seventeen states that have legalized the use of medicinal marijuana, and two states that have legalized it for recreational use as well. However, in a world where millions of people have died from alcohol and tobacco use, do we really need another legal drug? Many would argue no, but when scientific studies have shown that marijuana is actually less harmful to a person than alcohol or tobacco, it makes no sense to keep it illegal. Marijuana prohibition is simply doing more harm than good to society. In the 1920s, alcohol prohibition led to the widespread proliferation of violent criminal organizations that corrupted politicians and law enforcement officials to illegally peddle booze to otherwise law-abiding citizens. Similarly, by keeping marijuana illegal for the last seventy-five years, we have created a black market that helps fuel some of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in the world. Legalizing marijuana could take the marijuana business out of the hands of drug cartels, by regulating and taxing marijuana in a similar manner to alcohol. It would allow adults twenty-one and older to possess a limited amount of marijuana and to purchase it at stores licensed by the state. Many parents worry that if marijuana was made legal and regulated like alcohol, it would be easier for their kid to obtain. Colorado, where marijuana is legal for recreational use, has proved this theory to be false. Teen...
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...Industrialized Hemp: A Revolutionary Idea PHL 354 Dr. Ozar Decmeber 16, 2010 Abstract: This paper will focus on the potential benefits that legalizing and producing (or “large-scale production of”) industrialized hemp could have on the environment and possibly the economy of the world. I shall argue that the United States should set a precedent and legalize industrialized hemp in order to hopefully spur on similar actions by other countries and world powers across the globe. I will begin by explaining a few of the beneficial uses of industrialized hemp in order to strengthen the case that will be presented in the latter part of the paper. Although the production of hemp has typically been looked down upon, it could in fact be the very thing we need to solve the ecological problems we currently face. I believe that allowing for the growth and sale of industrialized hemp could revolutionize the world and could ultimately save the environment and benefit all of the environmentally unfriendly industries across the world. I will examine the use of hemp to create textiles, renewable fuels, biodegradable plastics, paper, health foods, medicine, etcetera. The legalization of hemp cannot move forward unless we are willing to reexamine and reformulate our societal values. The modern system of agriculture has caused more problems than it has solved over the past few decades. Thus, I will be examining the legalization of hemp in the context of a postmechanistic concept...
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...Hemp: The plant that can save America COM172 May 8, 2012 Hemp: The plant that can save America Marijuana, pot, weed, grass, smoke, hemp - these are just a few of the names given to the plant known as Cannabis Sativa. Lobbyists are currently trying to repeal the federal laws making the growth, production, and possession of medicinal cannabis illegal because of the benefits to people with cancer, glaucoma, and chronic pain. If successful this will also make it legal to grow industrial hemp. Industrial hemp can be used for clothing, nutritional supplements, and paper products; building supplies, automotive construction, and alternative fuel sources. With the legalization of hemp this nation conceivably could negate its dependence on foreign oil and reverse the failing economy. From the birth of this nation up to the 1950s, hemp was grown on large farms and in small family plots. Early settlers understood the necessity of growing hemp for rope and sails used on ships, for cloth to make clothes; even the original flag was made from hemp. In fact there were mandatory grow laws in place for years that made it a crime not to grow hemp. In 1937 the government passed a law (Title 21 U.S.C. Controlled Substance Act) that made it illegal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. In doing so, they outlawed industrial hemp as well, even though it only contains trace amounts of the substance Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that gives Cannabis its effectiveness. Most proponents of...
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...just take what other people say as gold, and not to question it. I say that this is shocking and unbelievable, that citizens would be this naïve. Marijuana has been associated with many things from its medical purposes to its use as a raw material. Marijuana has been used medically for thousands of years. America started using marijuana medically in the mid 1800’s. The type of disorders that marijuana helped included pain relief, nausea, glaucoma, and movement disorders. It is also used as a powerful appetite stimulant which helps patients that had HIV/AIDS or cancer patients going through chemotherapy. Nowadays only fourteen state governments across the country have acknowledged cannabis’ effective healing properties and legalized its consumption for medicinal purposes with the consent of a licensed physician. Federally the use of marijuana is still illegal. Also back in the day hemp was used to make medicine, products of all kinds, and even food. The most common use for hemp is in the production of textile based products. Hemp fibers are considerably strong so that makes it ideal for the production of many products like paper, fabric, and rope. Hemp produces a higher yield per acre than cotton and has a growing cycle of only 100 days instead of 160. Hemp seeds provide more protein than soy, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you can produce four times as much paper from an acre of marijuana than an acre of trees; plus, marijuana can...
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...irregularities in the financial markets, let us tar and feather the officials and executives indicted of such charges. Would any of these methods be effective solutions for the long-term welfare of the City? Harsh punishment and ridiculous expenditures are often seen as ‘radical’ and ‘extreme’ solutions to seemingly nominal problems. But it seems that America has pursued just that – extreme initial measures to combat social and environmental problems. America has seemingly disregarded the long-term impact of instituting policies that wholly accept or reject solutions to national problems. The implementation of DDT, the prohibition of hemp, and the damming of Hetch Hetchy Valley are all follies that are now causing environmental repercussions to the nation. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has been the source of controversial debate since its widespread use in 1939 to its international ban in 1972. Its intended application was to stop the spread of malaria and typhus through mosquitoes and lice to the Allies during World War II. Soon its chemical properties to repel and exterminate pests became known, allowing it to be used in agricultural development. However, there were no specified amounts of DDT allowed per acre or area. In areas that were indeed regulated, enforcement was nearly impossible due to the sheer size of the given area. The wonders of DDT made it the most popular agricultural combatant to crop pests. With seemingly no harm, DDT was soon used in excessive amounts...
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