Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jun 2004
Source: Columbus Free Press (OH)
Copyright: 2004 The Columbus Free Press
Contact:  http://www.freepress.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3168
Author: Kellie Fiorello, Clintonville Community Market
Note: Series from a Special edition of the Free Press, published in
conjunction with Hempfest 2004. For other articles in this series, click
this link http://www.mapinc.org/source/Columbus+Free+Press
Cited: Schaffer Library of Drug Policy 
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/index.HTM
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?330 (Hemp - Outside U.S.)

HEMP - IT'S GROWING!

Do you use hemp products? Whatever the answer may be, you might be
surprised by the vast number of hemp products available in today's
market, and even right here in our own community.

Despite current U.S. law that forbids agricultural production and
sale, hemp is grown commercially in most European countries and
Canada, producing substantial international sales each year. As a
result of U.S. restrictions, all industrial production of hemp
products require the importation of raw materials, resulting in higher
production costs and decreased competitiveness in both domestic and
international markets. (Schaffer Library of Drug Policy)

In sharp contrast to modern hemp prohibition, hemp fiber once played a
key role in the colonization and political unification of our nation.
Christopher Columbus sailed to America on ships rigged with hemp rope.
Early colonial farmers including George Washington and Thomas
Jefferson grew hemp extensively. A draft of the Constitution was
printed on paper made from hemp. Betsy Ross sewed the first American
flag from hemp. Levi Strauss utilized its ruggedness and comfort for
the very first pair of jeans. (Hemp Traders)

Hemp has served mankind for thousands of years and continues to do so
today. Over 30,000 environmentally-friendly products can be made from
industrial hemp, including food, fuel, building materials, textiles,
paper, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paint, just to name a few.
Clearly, industrial hemp is a product of enormous economic benefit to
the United States, but most politicians have trouble separating hemp
from its narcotic relative. Fortunately, hundreds of companies still
produce sustainable hemp products for our enjoyment.

Clintonville Community Market, located at 200 Crestview Rd., carries a
wide variety of affordable hemp products ranging from nutritious foods
to far-out clothing to health and beauty aids. The Jah Hemp Bar, a
Market specialty developed by one of its employees, is one of their
top sellers. Nature's Path brings to the Market Hemp Plus bulk
granola, another nutritious top pick. Nutiva offers organic hemp oil
and shelled hempseed, both of which are high in essential fatty acids
that promote heart health. When visiting the Market, be sure to check
out products from Pan World Traders of Romania, makers of Ecolution
brand hemp clothing. Their wallets, bags, socks and clothing will last
a lifetime.

These are just a few of the thousands of hemp products offered in
today's consumer market. Please stop by the Clintonville Community
Market and take 15 percent off your first purchase as a thanks for
supporting your community and the hemp industry. And remember, Hemp -
It's Growing! 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake