Hemp, also known as the cannabis plant, is making a major comeback after its prohibition in 1937. Before that time, 30% of Americans were farming hemp, and the US had a good reputation for its quality. Now, 80 years after it was on the class 1 narcotic list (unjustifiably even higher than crystal meth and cocaine), legalization has renewed the industry.

In the early 20th century, growing hemp in certain states was mandatory because it was so useful. It was used to weave ship sails and wagon covers; even the Declaration of Independence is printed on hemp paper! Hemp-derived cellulose was used as a raw material for plastics, prompting Henry Ford to build a prototype car from hemp fibers.

But soon after the federal government created the "Marijuana Tax Act" and massive propaganda started to group marijuana and commercial hemp production together, all cultivation was halted. Industrial hemp and marijuana are actually different breeds of Cannabis sativa. Hemp has no value as a recreational drug, and even attempting to smoke hemp flowers just produces a massive headache. But due to lack of research and understanding, all cannabis got grouped together and banned.

However, in the past few years, there has been a big push to legalize marijuana due to its medicinal properties. The drug has been more thoroughly researched and has caused no deaths or long-term bodily harm, and is therefore being slowly re-introduced, state by state, in the US.  There are no more rigorously researched arguments for both hemp production and marijuana, both medicinal and recreational. By separating hemp and marijuana as a case by case basis, interest groups are able to push for legislation piece by piece.

As of 2012, the US hemp industry was valued at $500 million in annual retail sales and growing for all hemp products, according to the Hemp Industries Association.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT HEMP?

Hemp is one of the most resilient plants on earth, known for its ability to grow practically anywhere and requires half the water and attention than similar crops.  Hemp seeds are also full of vitamins B1 and 2, D, E, calcium, magnesium and the good kinds of fats (like you would find in avocados) omega 3 and 6.

(galeopsis tetrahit) a hemp plant

Hemp oil can be extracted and used to grease machines, as it was once used, as well as in paints, resins, shellacs and varnishes.  In fact, Rudolph Diesel designed his machines to run on hemp oil.

The fibers from hemp plants can be used to create paper or fabric. In fact, fabrics made with at least one half hemp block the sun's rays more effectively than any other fiber. The paper can also be recycled more often and more easily than wood-based paper. Think of the number of trees and ecosystems we could save by reducing logging for paper goods!