Marijuana and Hemp, The Untold – College Essay Example
Marijuana and Hemp, The Untold – College Essay Example

Marijuana and Hemp, The Untold – College Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
  • Pages: 15 (4045 words)
  • Published: August 21, 2018
  • Type: Research Paper
View Entire Sample
Text preview

The purpose of this brochure is to reveal hidden information about marijuana and hemp that the government wants to keep secret. Both marijuana and hemp, which belong to the Cannabis Sativa species, serve various purposes. Hemp has a long history of use in products such as paper, textiles, oil, rope, and canvas. It is worth noting that the term "canvas" comes from "cannabis." Industrial hemp is specifically cultivated for non-drug uses and contains low levels of THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana. As a result, it is not effective as a recreational drug. In addition to its recreational use, marijuana also has many medical applications. Unfortunately, false narratives propagated by the American media in the 1930s portrayed marijuana as highly dangerous. These unchallenged lies led to the prohibition of both marijuana and hemp in 1938. H

...

owever, there has recently been a renewed recognition of hemp's value as a natural resource with significant economic and environmental potential.

The ban on marijuana may have aimed to prevent hemp from becoming a valuable natural resource, making it ironic that marijuana's medicinal use is now recognized. Below are some surprising facts about both marijuana and hemp that will likely astonish most people.

Hemp is a versatile plant that produces the same amount of fiber as 2 to 3 acres of cotton annually. The fiber from hemp is not only stronger and softer but also has a longer lifespan without developing mildew. Nowadays, there is a wide range of textile products made entirely from hemp, such as shirts, jackets, pants, and backpacks. Unlike cotton, which relies on mild climates and requires more water, hemp can

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

tolerate frost and grow in all 50 states with moderate amounts of water. Moreover, the cultivation of cotton heavily depends on pesticides and herbicides; half of the world's supply is used for this purpose. In contrast to cotton, hemp does not require any pesticides or herbicides and only needs moderate amounts of fertilizer.

The production of hemp paper has the potential to match the output of 2 to 4 acres of trees annually. Tissue paper and cardboard are among the various paper products that can be made from hemp. The demand for paper worldwide is expected to double within a span of 25 years. However, without alternative options that do not rely on trees, meeting this demand will lead to significant deforestation and environmental damage. Cannabis Hemp emerges as a highly promising solution for tree-free paper because it surpasses traditional tree-based paper in terms of quality. It has a lifespan of hundreds of years without deterioration and is highly recyclable. Moreover, manufacturing hemp paper requires fewer toxic chemicals compared to traditional methods used for tree-based paper production. Additionally, Cannabis Hemp can also produce fiberboard that is lighter, stronger, and fire-resistant when compared to wood fiberboard. By embracing hemp fiberboard as a substitute for timber, we can further reduce the need for deforestation.

Hemp is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to plastic. Its durable composites can replace petroleum-based plastics in many items, including car bodies and dashboards. Mercedes Benz, the German car manufacturer, now incorporates hemp-based materials into their vehicles. Unlike trees that take years to grow for paper or wood production, hemp can be harvested just 120 days after planting. It can

also be grown on most farmland instead of requiring scarce land like forests and tree farms do. By choosing hemp over trees, we can prevent erosion caused by logging and reduce soil runoff and water pollution.

Additionally, hemp seed oil contains a highly nutritious protein that is more cost-effective than soybean protein. The seeds themselves are non-intoxicating and versatile enough to produce various products such as tofu, veggie burgers, butter, cheese, salad oils, ice cream, and milk – similar to those made from soybeans.

Hemp seed has various applications beyond its use as food. It can be ground into flour to make baked goods like pasta, cookies, and breads. Additionally, hemp seed oil is valuable in producing non-toxic diesel fuel, paint, varnish, detergent, ink, and lubricating oil. These seeds are a practical source for these products due to their significant weight within the mature hemp plant. Similar to how corn can be converted into clean-burning ethanol fuel, hemp can serve the same purpose. This potential is particularly promising because hemp yields more biomass than any other plant species and can adapt to different climates and locations, making it a major source of ethanol fuel.
It should be noted that wild hemp found abundantly in the U.S., which contains low THC levels making it non-psychoactive, cannot be cultivated by farmers due to current marijuana laws. However, it is worth mentioning that from 1776 to 1937, hemp played a significant role as an American crop with its textiles commonly used.

Although the American Textile Museum, The Smithsonian Institute, and most American history books fail to acknowledge hemp, it has become a societal taboo to speak

positively about it due to the government's War on Marijuana Smokers. Surprisingly, United States Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp, utilized its products, and praised the plant in their writings. However, today's laws would consider their actions as a danger to society, leading to arrest and imprisonment for felony cultivation of plants. Nevertheless, no other natural resource possesses as much potential as hemp does. Cannabis Hemp has the ability to produce significant amounts of paper, textiles, building materials, food, medicine paint detergent varnish oil ink fuel etc.. What distinguishes it from other crops is its capacity to thrive in diverse climates and on most farmlands worldwide while requiring moderate water and fertilizer needs without any necessity for pesticides or herbicides.

Cannabis Hemp, also known as Indian Hemp, has the potential to be a valuable natural resource that can have positive effects on both the economy and the environment. President George Washington recognized this potential in 1794 and encouraged widespread cultivation of Indian Hemp seeds.

During World War II, when resources such as rope and textiles were scarce, the U.S. government temporarily legalized hemp farming and urged American farmers to grow it for the war effort. This resulted in over 350,000 acres (550 square miles) of hemp being cultivated. Importantly, this increase in hemp production did not lead to an increase in marijuana usage during that time period.

The imagery depicted includes a pro-hemp film titled "Hemp For Victory" from 1942 on the left side. On the right side is an image of a farmer inspecting his towering eight-foot-tall hemp crop that is almost ready for harvest.

The images featured here are from a 1942 U.S.

Dept. of Agriculture film named Hemp For Victory. This film aimed to educate American farmers about the cultivation of hemp for the war effort. It portrayed the hemp plant in a positive manner. Initially, the government denied involvement with this film, and the records of its existence in The Library of Congress were mysteriously absent. However, in 1989, researchers discovered the original library records that confirmed the U.S. government's production of Hemp For Victory. Currently, video cassette tapes of Hemp For Victory are available for purchase by the public (Ordering information can be found on Page 11). On the left, an image showcases a Marijuana Tax Stamp that allowed American farmers to grow hemp during World War II. On the right, a photograph captures a Wisconsin farmer harvesting his hemp crop in September.

There are many prohibitionists who do not believe in the necessity of a hemp industry because they are concerned that it is being used as a means to legalize marijuana again.

The economic and environmental advantages of hemp are significant and should be considered separately. Many American farmers desire to cultivate industrial hemp, and major farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau support ending the ban on hemp. Various businesses now produce items from hemp, and even large corporations like International Paper, Inc. advocate for its repeal. It is possible to lift the prohibition on hemp without legalizing marijuana because Cannabis Hemp grown for industrial purposes does not possess any drug properties. Despite marijuana remaining illegal in China and Eastern European countries, they lead in Cannabis Hemp production. Canada, England, Germany, and Australia have recently resumed growing Cannabis Hemp after

years of it being prohibited there. If the United States does not abolish Hemp Prohibition, it would result in a substantial loss of economic and environmental opportunities while only benefiting America's competitors.

Despite ample evidence proving its effectiveness and safety for medicinal purposes, the DEA categorizes marijuana as a hazardous substance devoid of any medical benefits. However, compared to alternative options, marijuana offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer remedy. It effectively alleviates various conditions such as cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, insomnia, and depression. As people become more acquainted with the numerous medical uses of marijuana and its secure track record in addition to hemp's potential as a natural resource; it raises concerns for the DEA regarding potential loss of support for Marijuana Prohibition which could jeopardize their budget.

The DEA believes that marijuana/hemp is both useless and dangerous, as shown by their prohibition of its medical use, restriction on clinical studies, and denial of applications for cultivating industrial hemp. However, in 1988, Judge Francis Young, who was the DEA's administrative law judge at the time, examined evidence in a lawsuit challenging the government's ban on medical marijuana. Judge Young determined that when supervised by medical professionals, marijuana can effectively relieve the suffering of severely ill individuals. He also stated that marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man and even safer than many commonly consumed foods.

Despite Judge Young's recommendation to legalize marijuana as medicine being rejected by the DEA, the federal government contradicts itself by supplying FDA-approved marijuana cigarettes to 8 severely ill individuals who were

part of its previous medical marijuana program. This program was terminated in 1992 due to a high number of applications during the AIDS epidemic. However, Proposition 215, passed by California voters in November 1996, legalized the personal use and cultivation of marijuana for medicinal reasons.

During the 1930s, the U.S. government and media disseminated false information about marijuana, which ultimately resulted in its prohibition. Prior to this period, marijuana was legal for 162 years and hemp cultivation was prevalent in America. However, sensational headlines like "Marijuana: The assassin of youth.", "Marijuana: The devil's weed with roots in hell.", and "Marijuana makes fiends of boys in 30 days." contributed to the development of a negative perception surrounding marijuana.

According to the text, if Frankenstein encountered marijuana, the hideous monster would die from fright. The infamous movie Reefer Madness was funded by the liquor industry in 1936, depicting a man going insane and killing his entire family with an ax after smoking marijuana. This campaign of lies, along with other evidence, has led many to suspect ulterior motives behind Marijuana Prohibition. Just before the ban on marijuana through The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, new technologies emerged that threatened synthetic fiber and plastics industries. Hemp also posed a challenge to the timber industry due to its potential for paper production (see New Billion-Dollar Crop pages 6-7). Evidence suggests that commercial interests spread hysteria about reefer madness and used their influence to advocate for Marijuana Prohibition out of fear of hemp competition. Although it is uncertain whether special interests conspired to destroy the hemp industry through Marijuana Prohibition, there is enough evidence pointing towards this possibility.

The funding for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now the Drug Enforcement Administration) was reduced following the end of Alcohol Prohibition in 1933.

Harry J. Anslinger, the director of the FBN, strongly supported Marijuana Prohibition and testified to Congress in 1937 advocating for its prohibition. He claimed that marijuana was the most violence-causing drug ever and associated its use with certain racial groups and music genres like jazz and swing. Anslinger also alleged that it led white women to have relationships with black men. The foundation of Marijuana Prohibition is based on falsehoods and is rooted in racism, prejudice, and ignorance. Although Anslinger was considered an expert on marijuana at the time, many still believe that law enforcement officials have knowledge about cannabis. However, these officials lack expertise on its medical or health effects but benefit from financial support through prohibition enforcement. Prior to the government's promotion of reefer madness hysteria in the 1930s, "marijuana" was not a common term in American vocabulary; it originated from Mexican culture.

In the 1930s, Americans were fully aware of hemp's harmless and widespread use. There was a consensus that hemp posed no threat and there were no stories about its alleged madness. However, to generate fear and gain support for Hemp Prohibition, marijuana and reefer were used instead of hemp. Few knew that marijuana and hemp came from the same plant, so nobody anticipated that Marijuana Prohibition would devastate the thriving hemp industry.

To further emphasize that marijuana was banned to destroy the hemp industry, two articles showcasing the value of hemp as a crop were published just before Marijuana Prohibition. These reputable publications titled

"Flax and Hemp: From Seed to Loom" (Mechanical Engineering, Feb. 1937) and "New Billion-Dollar Crop" (Popular Mechanics, Feb. 1938) can be found on pages 6-7.

These articles emphasize the potential and usefulness of hemp, stating that it can be used to create over 25,000 different products. They also claim that hemp could become the most profitable and desirable crop for farmers and the general public. In February 1938, Popular Mechanics Magazine published an article titled "New Billion-Dollar Crop," which predicted that hemp was about to become a super crop. Sadly, around the same time, Marijuana Prohibition destroyed the hemp industry. The article highlights that American farmers would benefit from growing hemp as it would not directly compete with other American products but rather replace imports of raw materials and manufactured goods made by underpaid labor in other countries. Additionally, it would create numerous job opportunities for American workers.

The machine designed for separating the fiber-bearing cortex from the rest of the stalk allows for easy access to hemp fiber without excessive human labor. Hemp is globally recognized as the primary fiber due to its exceptional strength and durability, serving as raw material for over 5,000 textile items, including ropes and laces. The leftover woody "hurds" contain over 77 percent cellulose, which can be used in creating more than 25,000 products like dynamite and Cellophane. In Texas, Illinois, and Minnesota, machines are currently producing fiber at a manufacturing cost of half a cent per pound. These machines find a profitable market while competing with labor-intensive foreign production. Machine operators make considerable profits and pay farmers $15 per ton for hemp in its natural state.

Hemp is low-maintenance crop capable of yielding three to six tons per acre on any land suitable for corn, wheat, or oats cultivation. It can be grown across any state in the nation after other crops have been planted due to its short growing season.

The long roots of hemp penetrate and break the soil, preparing it for the next year's crop. The dense leaves, growing up to twelve feet above the ground, effectively suppress weed growth. Reclaiming abandoned land plagued by Canadian thistles or quack grass only requires two consecutive crops. From this point, numerous possibilities arise. The raw fiber obtained from hemp can be utilized to produce durable twine or rope, woven into burlap, employed as carpet warp or linoleum backing. It can even be bleached and refined to yield high-value resinous by-products. Moreover, hemp has the potential to replace foreign fibers that currently dominate our markets.

In 1938, Popular Mechanics Magazine reported that one large powder company utilized thousands of tons of hemp hurds annually for manufacturing dynamite and TNT. Additionally, a notable paper company previously paid substantial duties on imported cigarette papers but now produces them using hemp grown in Minnesota. Furthermore, an Illinois-based factory is now manufacturing bond paper from hemp.

The natural materials found in hemp make it a cost-effective source of pulp for paper manufacturing. Its high content of alpha cellulose provides a plentiful supply of raw material for various cellulose products created by our chemists. Many people mistakenly believe that linen is exclusively made from flax, but a significant portion actually comes from hemp. In fact, more than half of our imported

linen fabrics are made from hemp fiber. Burlap, on the other hand, is commonly thought to be derived from hemp, but it usually originates from jute instead. The burlap we use is typically woven by laborers in India who earn only four cents a day. Binder twine, however, is mostly produced using sisal sourced from the Yucatan and East Africa. All these imported goods can be manufactured domestically with locally grown hemp. American farms have the potential to cultivate various everyday items such as fish nets, bow strings, canvas, strong rope, overalls, damask tablecloths, fine linen garments,
towels and bed linen. Currently,
we spend approximately $200 million annually on foreign fabric and fibers imports; with over $50 million spent solely on raw fibers during the first half of 1937.
By utilizing home-grown hemp,
we can retain this income for Americans.

The paper industry offers many opportunities, valued at over $1 billion annually, with 80 percent of it being imported. However, hemp has the potential to produce all types of paper. According to government data, dedicating 10,000 acres to hemp cultivation would yield as much paper as 40,000 acres of average pulp land. The advancement of hemp faces challenges such as farmers' reluctance to adopt new crops and the need for suitable farming equipment in close proximity. Operating the machinery profitably depends on having enough nearby acreage, while farmers struggle to find a lucrative market without proper crop processing equipment.
Another obstacle arises from the fact that marijuana is present in the blossom of female hemp plants. Growing hemp inevitably leads to the production of this blossom. Existing federal regulations require registration for hemp growers and initial proposals for preventing

narcotic production are strict. It seems like there is an exaggerated connection between cultivating hemp and producing marijuana.

Despite the common association of hemp as a crop with marijuana, the connection between the two appears to be exaggerated. Marijuana is usually derived from wild hemp or locoweed found in different locations across the country, like vacant lots and alongside railroad tracks. It is possible for federal regulations to protect the public while still permitting the legitimate cultivation of hemp. This could greatly enhance American agriculture and industry by introducing this extensive new crop.

The potency of marijuana has increased over time, but there is no medical evidence indicating that high-potency marijuana is more dangerous. In reality, marijuana is one of the least toxic substances. High-potency marijuana can actually be advantageous as it requires less consumption to achieve the desired effect, reducing smoke inhalation and decreasing respiratory health risks. Comparing high-potency marijuana to low-potency marijuana can be likened to comparing wine to beer in terms of harm.

The idea that smoking marijuana can cause cancer and severe lung damage is not supported by evidence. The risk of developing cancer from smoking marijuana is very low, as it would require consuming large amounts over a long period of time. A UCLA study conducted in 1997 (refer to page 12) even showed that extensive and prolonged use of marijuana does not result in significant lung damage. In fact, everyday foods like meat, salt, and dairy products pose greater cancer risks than smoking marijuana. Moreover, ingesting marijuana through baked goods or tincture eliminates respiratory health hazards and reduces the likelihood of developing cancer.

Another misconception

about marijuana is its alleged content of over 400 chemicals, suggesting its dangerous nature. However, this argument is misleading because coffee actually contains 1,500 chemicals while rat poison only has around 30 chemicals. Many vegetables also contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals. Therefore, the number of chemicals present in a substance does not determine its level of toxicity. Prohibitionists often misuse this statistic to falsely portray marijuana as hazardous.

According to U.S. government statistics, the belief that marijuana is a gateway drug leading to harder drugs has been disproven, as more than 75 percent of marijuana users do not progress to harder substances. Similar flawed logic can be applied to alcohol, as many cocaine and heroin addicts initially started with alcohol rather than marijuana. Additionally, the notion that marijuana is highly addictive is a myth; medical studies rank it as less habit-forming than caffeine. While nicotine and alcohol have high addiction potential, marijuana is considered one of the least habit-forming substances.

Regarding claims about marijuana impairing learning ability, a 1996 study conducted by the U.S. government solely focused on heavy users who represent only a small percentage of all marijuana smokers. This study indicated that any learning impairments were minimal and temporary effects resulting from heavy use. Long-term memory remained unaffected, casual users showed no impaired learning abilities, and it was found that heavy alcohol use had more detrimental effects on thought and learning compared to heavy marijuana use.

The claim that marijuana is a significant cause of emergency room admissions is false. The U.S. government has reported an increase in "marijuana-related emergency room episodes," but it's important to note that any admission to

the emergency room is classified as marijuana-related if the patient's medical record mentions marijuana. This includes cases where marijuana was used days or weeks before the incident, situations involving both drunk driving and marijuana use, or even instances where someone present had marijuana without direct involvement. The actual percentage of emergency room admissions directly caused by marijuana is less than 0.2%. It's clear that the government manipulated this statistic to magnify the danger associated with marijuana.

In 1997, Canada lifted its ban on hemp cultivation after a successful two-year trial period allowing experimental growth of hemp. As a result, Canada now has great potential for rapid expansion in its hemp industry. In contrast, growing hemp can lead to imprisonment in the United States, making it one of the few industrialized nations with such restrictions. The provided photos depict a hemp harvest that occurred in Ontario, Canada in August 1997. For more detailed information about Canada's recently established hemp industry, please visit http://www.kenex.org on the Internet.

Narcotics officers raided a suspected marijuana dealer's house in Wisconsin, where the suspect, who had no weapons and offered no resistance, was shot and killed in front of his 7-year-old son. His offense? Possessing only 1 ounce of marijuana. In Oklahoma, a paralyzed man received a 10-year prison sentence for having 2 ounces of medical marijuana that he used to control muscle spasms caused by a broken back. Similarly, another individual from Oklahoma is currently serving an astonishing sentence of 75 years for growing just 5 marijuana plants. These examples highlight the consequences brought about by prohibition.

It is worth noting that non-violent drug users now face

lengthier prison terms than murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals - significantly contributing to America's rising prison population. The cost borne by taxpayers is staggering as it amounts to $30,000 per year to incarcerate just one non-violent drug offender. Moreover, politicians are allocating billions of tax dollars towards constructing more prisons and jails specifically designed for housing additional non-violent drug users.

Currently, there are simultaneous challenges in funding for education and other services as well as efforts to reduce drug abuse. However, law enforcement's methods to achieve this goal are counterproductive as prohibition enforcement is expensive, promotes violence and corruption through the creation of a black market, and criminalizes harmless and productive adults. While alcohol and tobacco consumption by adults is widely accepted, marijuana use remains a criminal offense. This raises the question - why? The main reason behind prohibition is preventing minors from accessing marijuana; however, various surveys indicate that teenagers find it easier to obtain marijuana than legally permitted substances like beer or wine.

The marijuana trade in Holland is widely accepted and has a lower rate of teenage use compared to America. However, this trade lacks regulation, resulting in street and school dealers selling marijuana to anyone, particularly teenagers. Regulating marijuana similar to wine would eliminate street dealers, impose taxes on marijuana dealers, and restrict sales to adults only. Prohibition does not make it difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana, and stricter laws have not reduced usage. In reality, the consumption of marijuana has consistently increased every year since 1991.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New