Hemp Essay -- essays research papers fc

Throughout American history our country has come to bank on many different inbred resources. With technology and the population increasing, the number of fossil fuel reserves and natural forests are going down. What America ineluctably is a renewable source of fuels and fibers that will meet the growing needs of the future, but will not damage our environment. One of the most promising sources of fiber, fuel, and natural oil is hemp. ganja, also known as Cannabis Sativa L, has been used in our country since the early 17th century (Schreiber 160). Although hemp is considered an illegal drug, many muckle forget that it is a part of our countrys history. Despite its negative connotations, hemp has the potential to revolutionize the paper, cotton, and fuel industries. Its long fibers can be weaved with others to take hold stronger clothing, while its pulp can be used to make stronger paper. It has been known as an important resource for thousands of years, and in the future, perha ps it will be again. Hemp is a plant that originated in Asia several thousand years ago (Schreiber 7). Its genus is called Cannabis, to which there are three sub species, Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Hemp is of the sativa family, which normally grows to about 4 meters and has a hollow, fibrous stem. When grown industrially, the male plant is used primarily because it grows tall and spindly, producing the most fiber, and allowing the farmer to plant more in a littler area. The female plant is much shorter, and produces buds. Hemp is often confused with another plant of the same genus, Marijuana. Because of this confusion it is imperative that the differences between these two plants are understood. Although very(prenominal) similar, Marijuana is not the same plant as hemp (Williams 2). Marijuana, also known as pot, hashish, or weed, is grown for its buds and leaves, to produce psychoactive effects when introduced into the tender body. Marijuana has high levels of THC (Delta-9 Tet rahydracannibinol), the ingredient that causes the user to be high. Whereas industrial hemp typically has a THC level less than one percent, hemp can have levels up to twenty percent (Washuk 1). Med Byrd, head paper scientist at NCSU said, "You couldnt get high off hemp even if you smoked a joint the size of a telephone pole." Hemp is also contains a substance called cannibidiol, which actually inhibits THC. Under ... ...come the worlds leading crop again, as it once was.BibliographyBarnard, Jeff. Hemps pen Getting Higher But Marijuana Factor Still a Bummer. Los Angeles Times Electric Library 23 August 1998 Cauchon, Dennis. Canadian Hemp Isnt Going to Pot. the States Today Electric Library 7 October 1998. Pg13A Jenkins, Phil. Field Of Opportunity. Canadian Geographic Electric Library 1 March 1999 Julin, Brian. The Hemp FAQ. www.cannabis.com/faqs/hemp1.shtml 1994 Kicklighter, Kirk. Getting Hemp Over The Hump. The News & Observer Electric Library 4 July 1998. McDougal, J eanette. Good Reasons to Stay Skeptical About Legalizing Industrial Hemp. Minneapolis Start Tribune Electric Library 29 April 1999. Pg24A McGraw, Dan. Hemp is High Fashion. U.S. News & World Report Electric Library 20 January 1997 Pg54-56 Quinn, Patrick. Greeks prove to Weed Out Hemp. The Associated Press News Service Electric Library 13 November 1998 Schreiber, Gisela. The Hemp Handbook. Great Britain Vision Paperbacks, 1999. Williams, Ted. Legalize It Audubon Magazine Email November 1999. Washuk, Bonnie. Hemp Touted as a improve Paper Source. Sun Journal Electric Library 5 April 1998.