Here’s a good example of why the “war on drugs” is a lost cause.
Two farmers granted the first licenses in the nation to grow industrial hemp filed a federal lawsuit Monday to get final permission from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to recognize that hemp is allowed to be grown in North Dakota, said the farmers’ attorney, Tim Purdon.
Industrial hemp, a cousin of marijuana, is used to make everything from paper to lotion. But without permission from the DEA, the farmers could be arrested for growing the crop in the U.S. Hemp contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a banned substance, and it falls under federal anti-drug rules, the DEA says. Hemp proponents say it is safe because it contains only trace amounts of THC, a mind-altering chemical — not enough to produce a high. [source]
Farmers in this country would rather work than take government subsidies. Why would our government prevent them from growing hemp while allowing it to be imported from other countries? This is asinine.
There is high consumer demand for industrial hemp which has nearly 30,000 uses. From sturdy clothing, rope, automotive products and ship sails made from the fibers of the hemp stalk, to the most balanced Omega 3 and 6 oil available made from crushing the hemp seed, the entire plant has been used in a variety of ways around the world for centuries.
Products, including high quality flour and snack bars and fine lotions and cosmetics made from hemp, have been making huge inroads in recent years, with the U.S. importing more and more hemp items each year as consumer demand increases. [source]
I hope the N. Dakota farmers win this case and it sets a precedent that opens the door for farmers in other states who can make money growing this crop.
