According to the Coalition for Agricultural and Industrial Renewal (C.A.I.R.), the state of Hawaii has become the first state since WWII to plant industrial hemp. Governor Benjamin Cayetano hosted a seed planting ceremony on a one-quarter acre test plot, 25 miles northwest of Honolulu. Last May the legislature passed a bill that was signed by Governor Cayetano who stated, "My administration supports stimulating Hawaii's economy and keeping our agricultural lands productive. Industrial hemp could meet both of these objectives."
Hawaii is the first state in the modern era to receive permission from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to grow industrial hemp. The DEA regulates industrial hemp as if it were marijuana, considering it a narcotic equally as dangerous as opium and heroin. The Hawaiian plot is surrounded by chain link fencing with a razor wire top and a 24-hour infrared security system.
Sixty years ago, Popular Mechanics magazine called industrial hemp the "new million dollar crop," and identified more than 25,000 different products that could be developed form it. Industrial hemp thrives in almost any climate without herbicides or pesticides; decreasing both soil erosion and water pollution. It matures rapidly, can be harvested in 60 to 90 days and can gross $200 to $600 an acre.
The enormous global demand of this crop demonstrates the commercial potential of industrial hemp. In 1993 worldwide sales of industrial hemp grossed only a few million dollars. In 1997 sales surpassed $75 million. Projections for the year 2000 are that sales will be in the billions of dollars.
Despite the domestic demand for hemp products, American businesses are still forced to import hemp from one of the 32 nations that now grow the crop. As permitted by GATT and NAFTA, more than 100 million dollars worth of hemp material is imported each year.
Earlier this year North Dakota became the first state to legalize industrial hemp for commercial farming. Minnesota adopted a bill that authorized Governor Jesse Ventura to negotiate with the DEA for farming permits. Farmers in both states are expected to begin planting industrial hemp this May.
During the past three years twenty two states have approved some form of legislation or resolution supporting industrial hemp, including California. In March, the California Democratic Party adopted a resolution supporting industrial hemp and in September, the California State Assembly adopted a similar resolution.
The DEA is very reluctant to grant permission for the production of industrial hemp. Prohibition of marijuana is very lucrative for the DEA who makes millions of dollars annually with their eradication programs. It seems that these federal boys spend a great deal of their time tearing up "ditch weed" (wild hemp) in the mid-western states. They are paid per plant. It can be equated to being paid to tear up California poppies, because opium also comes from poppies, although they are otherwise dissimilar. Control of industrial hemp needs to be taken from the DEA and given to the FDA or Dept. of Agriculture.
Call, write, and make some noise. Demand that industrial hemp be re-legalized, and promoted as the essential food, fiber and fuel crop it is.
Low-tech bio-alternatives to our rapid use of the planet's resources
(sub-head for the Hemp/H2?)
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2000
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited