Industrial Hemp: Time to ‘Bring It Home’

 

In the 1940s, hemp farmers were considered ‘€œpatriotic’€ supporters of the war effort. But in 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to grow industrial hemp. For consumers, the law means we can buy hemp seeds at our health food stores, or hemp building materials from building suppliers, as long as the hemp for those products is grown in other countries. For U.S. farmers, it means a possible jail sentence for growing a versatile, sustainable crop on U.S. soil.

If you think that makes no sense at all, you’€™re not alone. State and national farm organizations want everyone to know that it’€™s time to stop penalizing U.S. farmers and start promoting the benefits of industrial hemp. They’€™re joining with hemp manufacturers, activists, volunteers and retailers this week, June 3-9 ‘€“ Hemp History Week ‘€“ in a public education campaign. Hemp History Week was initiated by the Hemp Industries Association and Vote Hemp.

Looking for more information on the history of hemp in the U.S., and its potential role in our future? Bringing it Home is a documentary that highlights the many benefits of industrial hemp and asks, "Why aren’t we growing it here?" That’€™s a question some U.S. lawmakers are asking, too. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced an amendment to this year’€™s farm bill that would allow farmers to grow industrial hemp. The amendment has yet to come up for a vote. You can call (202) 224-3121 and ask your Senator to vote for the Wyden Amendment #952 to allow U.S. farmers to grow industrial hemp.

Watch the trailer for Bringing it Home

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More about Hemp History Week