Pubdate: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 Source: News & Observer (NC) Copyright: 2003 The News and Observer Publishing Company Contact: http://www.news-observer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/304 Author: Craig Strautin Bookmarks: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp) http://www.mapinc.org/find?330 (Hemp - Outside U.S.) HEMP IS GROWING The writer of the June 18 People's Forum letter "Making a mint" stated that hemp will quickly go the way of tobacco, "so let's champion the healthy stuff." While she proposed some good alternatives for tobacco farmers, it is apparent that there is confusion between real hemp and the drug marijuana. Hemp is in the mulberry family with a subspecies classification of Linnaeus which has extremely low THC [active ingredient in marijuana] levels. It is cultivated for fibers and other industrial products - not THC. Hemp grows very well in poor soil conditions, is drought tolerant, needs no fertilizer or pesticides and can be harvested several times a year. Marijuana plants growing in a field of hemp are easily identifiable. With hemp producing the longest fibers of any plant, it also produces superior paper products, which can be recycled many times. Hemp paper production does not require harsh chemicals and does not generate dioxin waste. Our Declaration of Independence is on hemp paper. Other possible products include lubricating, cooking and fuel oils, and clothing and many other textile products. Much of commercial bird seed is hemp. It is superior to corn and all other plants for biomass fuel generation. Countries around the world are recognizing the economic and ecological benefits of industrial hemp. More are passing legislation to give farmers the freedom to grow this productive and worthwhile crop. Why not us? See http://www.naihc.org for more information. Craig Strautin Cary - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake