For centuries, hemp has been cultivated in North America for its fibers used in the manufacture of ropes and textiles. But, unfortunately, it was declared illegal due to its association with marijuana, a victim of the War on Drugs. This war has been going on for decades, and hemp production practically did not exist until the 2000s. But why did hemp become illegal? Hearst knew that hemp paper was a much more efficient process than using trees.
This posed a serious threat to his industry, so he used his platform to demonize hemp. He popularized the name “marijuana” in order to link it to drug use and began publishing anti-cannabis messages to keep Americans away from hemp and opt for wood-based paper. This did not make cannabis illegal, but its production was much more difficult and it also harmed hemp through a false association. Hemp is made from one of the same plant species (Cannabis sativa) as marijuana, and this association caused it to be caught in the spotlight of the War on Drugs. With successive government administrations failing to distinguish between hemp and marijuana, hemp was declared illegal because it was guilty by association. Hemp is also naturally resistant to harmful insects and weeds, eliminating the need for pesticides, improving soil quality and, in fact, can thrive on land contaminated by heavy metals.
Hemp fabric has a silky texture that is more porous than cotton, allows it to take on dyes better and is more durable. Hemp production is an industry that is waiting to replace cotton and the felling of trees to return to where it belongs, at the heart of the industry. And while legal issues remain (especially with respect to consumer products containing cannabinoids derived from hemp), hemp is increasingly familiar to regulatory authorities and society at large. In short, hemp was declared illegal because it was a victim of a war against its identical twin. Hemp has been around for centuries; its fabric dates back to 8000 BC. C., with hemp cords found in Taiwanese pottery.
It was discovered in Mesopotamia as a food source in China around 6000 BC. C., then in textiles around 4000 BC. C., engraved in Egyptian paintings around 2,800 BC. C., used in fashion, as a bowstring for weapons, and also as paper in China around 200 BC.
C. It is said that Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington were all enthusiastic hemp growers, and Jefferson patented a hemp thresher. Hemp is extremely versatile and may have been one of the first plants to be cultivated on a large scale. Unfortunately, due to its association with marijuana, it became illegal due to the War on Drugs.
