Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 Source: Virgin Islands Daily News, The (VI) Copyright: 2014 Virgin Islands Daily News Contact: http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3486 Author: Ryan Jannenga Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n083/a04.html Page: 20 HEMP FARMING WOULD BOOST ECONOMIC SUCCESS V.I. WOULD GET FROM MEDICAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRY In response to the Op-ed by Dennis Alphonse on medical marijuana being a cash crop (Jan. 23, 2014), I would like to first say that I couldn't agree more. Our senators would indeed be wise to create new laws allowing for the cultivation of medical marijuana. The one item omitted, however, was the use of hemp. The decriminalization and production of medical marijuana would undeniably generate a significant boost in revenue for the territory, but the cultivation of industrial hemp has the potential to revolutionize the Virgin Islands in terms of exportation and sustainability. The extremely broad climate range and the seemingly endless applications of this crop should put this issue on the tables of our senators, at the very least. Hemp is not a drug. In fact you could smoke an entire bale of it and not get high. Its utility as a renewable source of oil, protein, medicine, fiber, clothing, building material, and nutritional supplements, is unmatched. Commercial hemp farming is the future, as will be displayed by Colorado and Washington states in the next few years. It is time for the Virgin Islands to make a progressive shift toward a more sustainable tomorrow. Research this topic. Participate in the conversation. Be the change you wish to see in the world! Capt. Ryan Jannenga, St. Thomas - --- MAP posted-by: Matt