Pubdate: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA) Copyright: 2008 Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact: http://www.newsreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559 Author: Darcy Stoddard Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1048/a04.html TIME TO DEMYTHIFY POT Re: "Glaring spotlight" (Letters, by Jim Bettencourt, CN&R, Nov. 20): The new year brings the light of unity, as nations gather to address the issues of global warming, oil crises, economic collapse, health and world hunger with a fevered urgency. While considering all the options, the cannabis hemp plant is one solution in the search for alternatives. Hemp has ecological, industrial and medicinal values. Hemp fiber became a major crop in Europe by 400 BC. Hemp-fiber production was most important to the developing colonies for homespun cloth and ship riggings. Hemp production was so important that in 1762 Virginia imposed penalties for those who refused to grow the plant. The plant's resilience and vigor make hemp a wonderful candidate for methanol fuel, unlike a tender crop like corn. Not until the 20th century, when racially provoked, misguided politics developed a strategy to introduce myths about hemp (like lust, violence, crime and the degradation of religion), did marijuana hysteria take hold, and stayed, as with Mr. Bettencourt's letter. Recent studies are inundated with new results for healing--using the seed oil, leaf compound and roots. Just last month from Italy came evidence that cannabinoids kill staph infections! Don't sell cannabis hemp short, Mr. Bettencourt; it could be what saves your life. For sound sustainability, it is imperative that hemp be reinstated [as a legitimate crop]. Take the prejudice off its image! Hemp is our greatest renewable resource. Support the restoration movement and buy a hemp product today. Darcy Stoddard, Tierra Sol Farm Magalia - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom