Industrial Hemp Struggles with Marijuana Stigma - 1198 Words

Industrial Hemp Struggles With Marijuana Stigma As the issue of legalizing marijuana remains complicated and highly controversial, a lesser-known yet increasingly significant side effect continues to transpire in the background: the suppression of its incredibly useful and diverse distant cousin, industrial hemp. Both marijuana and hemp have a long history in the United States. Unfortunately, because both plants are from the cannabis species, hemp was pigeonholed into a â€Å"dangerous drug† classification along with marijuana, representing the beginning of the end for hemp as a major agricultural asset to the United States. Industrial hemp contains no psychotropic qualities that create a â€Å"high† like marijuana. Considering that hemp’s†¦show more content†¦Thus, a plant with no psychotropic properties and that could be used to fashion anything from ropes, to paper, to bricks for constructing homes is placed in the same category as marijuana. (Smith 233) In his research, Smith found that the so urce of the problem stems from the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 that was carried over into the comprehensive Drug Abuse Controlled and Prevention Act of 1970. Banning industrial hemp was a mistake from the beginning. The government refusing to address this situation is not acceptable and that is where the Oglala Sioux tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota have drawn a line in the sand. The tribe said it is their right as a sovereign state to cultivate their land. They were also purposely shedding light on the need to legalize hemp. Research from the University of Connecticut conclusively indicates that hemp is a viable source for biodiesel fuel—one thatc does not affect the food supply like corn and soy do. Led by associate professor of chemical engineering Richard Parnas, the research team will be building a refinery using a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Energy. Hemp is ideal for two reasons: first, it is not a major food source so it should not contribute to food security problems; secondly, it can grow in infertile soil using otherwise inhospitableShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1360 Words   |  6 PagesAfter the government’s continual failure to prohibit the use of marijuana, taxpayers are paying a huge price just to keep marijuana illegal. The government is beginning to work with the drug rather than work against it, turning a crime into a business. This â€Å"crime† might just be worth it. Due to many positive arguments in support of legalization, numero us states have legalized the use of medicinal marijuana. and are able to experience some of the economical benefits first hand. As citizens of theRead More The Cannabis Debate Essay5766 Words   |  24 PagesThe Cannabis Debate The Federal Government of the United States doesnt condone the use of marijuana and any schedule I drugs at the present time, which is any substance that has no current medical use and is a mind altering drug. Under new circumstances in California and Arizona, there is a temporary Bill that has been passed legalizing the schedule I drug for medical use, known as Act 215: Medical use limited to cancer patients and individuals with the disease glaucoma. Individuals that are