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Last weekend I began I healthy obsession with Hemp. I finally gave in to buying a stylish, well-crafted (moderately expensive) jacket made primarily of Hemp, then proceeded to research its cultivation and history to learn more about its renowned sustainability and viability as a crop.
Brief History: In the 1930’s the United States outlawed the cultivation of Hemp for all purposes to satisfy a new obsession with the Narcotics Act at the time. Previously, Hemp had been a primar
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Comments
05.07.08
I used to always associate hemp with the pseudo-hippies in school, but I've recently come around to see that it's much better. Only difference: in Florida (where I live), I want the lightest fabric I can get. Hemp can be heavy at times.
05.07.08
Yea, it's true about the hemp culture/hippies. It was definitely the association with pot, as well as the fact that it was illegal to cultivate (and still is, it's all imported I believe) that made it 'counter-culture'. I think over time it'll become much cooler for even hippie deniers like you and I to sport.
It is quite heavy at times...but they do make cozy t-shirts too!
05.07.08
I can see the benefits of Hemp. However, I think the 'culture of Hemp' is a big problem. It isn't the attractiveness to the consumer that is the problem. It's this culture that is a roadblock to getting changing the laws in the U.S.
Everyone big name I've seen who promotes the growing of hemp, ALSO promotes the legalization of marijuana. So lifting the laws against growing hemp is seen as a stepping stone to legalizing pot, even if it isn't true.
We need more staunch anti-pot people to support growing hemp for the laws to change.
05.07.08
arg... I need to proofread my posts forst. Here's the post without the grammatical errors:
I can see the benefits of Hemp. However, I think the ‘culture of Hemp’ is a big problem. It isn’t the attractiveness to the consumer that is the problem. It’s this culture that is a roadblock to changing the laws in the U.S.
Every big name I’ve seen who promotes the growing of hemp, ALSO promotes the legalization of marijuana. So lifting the laws against growing hemp is seen as a stepping stone to legalizing pot, even if it isn’t true.
We need more staunch anti-pot people to support growing hemp, for the laws to change.
05.07.08
@Scott - The thing is, I think that culture you speak of is very outdated - BUT as you mention, it seems still to be one of the biggest roadblocks.
Hemp here IS sold in pipe and/or 'counter-culture' stores, but it's also sold in upscale clothing boutiques, sports gear stores, as well as other fancy places.
I'm really interested in where it's going...and hopefully in the right direction. You have a good point:"We need more staunch anti-pot people to support growing hemp for the laws to change."
05.07.08
I know many people who seek out hemp clothing and other products for environmental reasons. I think it is losing that stimga of only being for hippies who want to legalize pot.
05.07.08
@ Danielle - true! I'm glad to hear more people recognizing that.
And anyhoo, it's not like potheads are behind the times - we (uh, i mean...they) too are functioning, aware, and productive humans.
05.07.08
"Everyone big name I’ve seen who promotes the growing of hemp, ALSO promotes the legalization of marijuana"
Scott, the foremost authority on the movement to commercialize and promote hemp is the North American Industrial Hemp Council. Their Chairman is Erwin 'Bud' Sholts, who is a 65 year old republican farmer. He has his masters in Agriculture Economics and worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture for 35 years and left as a decorated employee. He is a leading example of the large mass of people who understand the value of hemp to our economy while still maintaining a strict stand on marijuana use. Bud is my mentor, trust me, the entire organization shuns marijuana. There is a large force out there pushing for the legalization of hemp, while they are not in the mainstream they are composed of some very influential individuals.
I would also like to add that clothing is only a small part of the benefits of hemp. Construction is a major area where hemp makes a HUGE difference. Hemp can be used in replacement of concrete (it is being done in England). It not only insulates more (insulation is just stagnant air and compressed hemp provides more stagnant pockets) it costs less to produce, is more environmentally friendly to produce, and has no strength loss when properly designed.
If anyone would like more information or links email me jessbahr@mac.com and please refer to the following site.
05.07.08
T, I agree with you that we should use hemp more, but I think passing clothing on to your grandchild is too much. Styles change so much, which is why most women don't want to wear their mom's wedding dress. Sounds like the more practical application is the stuff Jessica mentioned.
05.07.08
@Jessica - thanks for the input, and I will as well check out the mentioned site.
@Monica - Well, 'perhaps' I was exaggerating just a little about the passing on on clothes to grandchildren (but really, you should see this jacket = timeless) - but my point was its durability. I'll probably seem Amish to my grandkids and way out of style, true.
And yes, Jessica had some good points as to it's industrial use. The idea about the clothing should not be lost on you though. The lesser impact to the land is massively important vs. cotton, as well as bringing industry back to the US from China and elsewhere. I think it could truly revitalize several industries, and producing locally should always be a National cause.
05.08.08
It's great to see an intelligent post on this topic. There are many benefits to hemp. Some people are clueless to the textile benefits-- increased awareness is great.
Not to chime in on the legal discussion, but alcohol and tobacco are much worse in my opinion. Why not let people decide for themselves if it's good for them.
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