Yesterday, to honor Hemp History Week (who knew?), Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) used the occasion to promote his proposal to legalize the domestic production of
“„George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew industrial hemp and used it to make cloth. During World War II, the federal government encouraged American farmers to grow hemp to help the war effort.
“„Industrial hemp [is] defined to contain less than 0.3 percent THC — the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. … Nobody can be psychologically affected by consuming industrial hemp.
“„Despite industrial hemp farming being an important part of American history, the federal government has banned cultivation of this crop.
“„Because of a federal policy that does not distinguish between growing industrial hemp and growing marijuana, all hemp products and materials must be imported. The result is high prices, outsourced jobs, and lost opportunities for American manufacturing.
“„Reintroducing industrial hemp farming in the United States would bring jobs to communities struggling in today’s economy, provide American farmers with another crop alternative, and encourage the development of hemp processing factories near American hemp farming.
“„Industrial hemp is used in protein supplements, non-dairy milk, and frozen desserts. Hemp flour is in breads, crackers, chips, dips, and dressings. Hemp seeds may be eaten plain or added to prepared foods. Additionally, hemp oil is used in a number of cosmetic and body care products, and hemp fiber is used in cloths. Industrial hemp is also present in bio-composite materials used in buildings and automobiles.