agency’s 1913 yearbook that hemp cultivated for the production of fiber, cut before the seeds are formed, and retted on the land where it is grown, tends to improve rather than injure the soil (Roulac). The reason being that the hemp plant needs no pesticides is because it is relatively immune to insects and disease. Hemp has it’s own built in weed control which will prove extremely important to the environment, because no chemicals will penetrate the ground and seep into water supplies or streams which house our salmon. Farming of hemp is not a new idea. Actually, in the 1900’s hemp was thought to be the new cash crop of the United States once machinery was built that could harvest, strip, and separate the fibers in the hemp plant. However, in 1950 hemp was made illegal because of its cousin marijuana. Today, some experts believe that hemp cultivation could generate five hundred billion dollars to one trillion dollars of revenue for the United States (Herer).That’s exactly what the state of Hawaii is trying to do today. Since thirty-two industrial nations are growing hemp, the U.S. has given the approval for Hawaii. Hawaii is the first state to be given the federal governments approval to experiment with cultivation of hemp in over fifty years. Hawaii is usually known for it’s high potent marijuana, but today they are the new pioneers for the environment. The Drug Enforcement Agency approved the land that was financed by the shampoo maker Alterna, but this being America, the land of conservatism, the land is surrounded by a chain link fence, razor wire, and a twenty-four hour infrared security system (Hemp). Since hemp only has one percent THC in it, you might as well try smoking Kentucky Bluegrass, because you won’t get a buzz, but maybe a headache. Today, twenty-two states have expressed interest in hemp farming. Even Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura is prepared to issue permits to grow hemp for Mi...
