HEMP IS GROWING

The writer of the June 18 People's Forum letter "Making a mint" stated
that hemp will quickly go the way of tobacco, "so let's champion the
healthy stuff." While she proposed some good alternatives for tobacco
farmers, it is apparent that there is confusion between real hemp and
the drug marijuana. Hemp is in the mulberry family with a subspecies
classification of Linnaeus which has extremely low THC [active
ingredient in marijuana] levels. It is cultivated for fibers and other
industrial products - not THC. Hemp grows very well in poor soil
conditions, is drought tolerant, needs no fertilizer or pesticides and
can be harvested several times a year. Marijuana plants growing in a
field of hemp are easily identifiable.

With hemp producing the longest fibers of any plant, it also produces
superior paper products, which can be recycled many times. Hemp paper
production does not require harsh chemicals and does not generate
dioxin waste. Our Declaration of Independence is on hemp paper.

Other possible products include lubricating, cooking and fuel oils,
and clothing and many other textile products. Much of commercial bird
seed is hemp. It is superior to corn and all other plants for biomass
fuel generation.

Countries around the world are recognizing the economic and ecological
benefits of industrial hemp. More are passing legislation to give
farmers the freedom to grow this productive and worthwhile crop. Why
not us? See http://www.naihc.org for more information.

Craig Strautin

Cary