When America opens its eyes to the economic potential of hemp

After 80 years of prohibition, America is waking up to the health and economic benefits of hemp. This the non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana has aspects that remain unexplored, as it has been banned across the Channel since 1937.

The Hemp has been with humanity for nearly 10,000 years for its fiber, which is used in the textile and paper industries, and for its nutritional value. The Hemp seeds are said to be more nutritious that soybeans and soybean oil, which are rich in essential fatty acids, contain less saturated fat than other oils. The CBD found in hemp also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Joseph Yost, a Republican representative from West Virginia, who is resuming its hemp production, points out, «We are the only industrialized country that does not allow it; it could replace tobacco farming and bring back some manufacturing jobs to agricultural states.»

A game involving lobbyists, businesspeople, Native Americans, and politicians

Eric Steenstra, president of «Vote for Hemp» and executive director of the Hemp Industries Association, says progress is being made. In 2014, with the U.S. Farm Bill, research on hemp has been authorized. Since then, 15 states have begun growing hemp while 30 universities are conducting research on this plant.

According to Steenstra, demystification, as with weed, is gaining ground in political circles. The entrepreneurs are joined by a Native American tribe, represented by Alex «White Feather»: «We need to heal the earth, and hemp can replace many of the harmful things we use today.».

For the past 20 years, «White Plume» has been trying to make hemp cultivation more widespread on his land.  He has always lost out to federal raids on his plantations: »The Bureau of Indian Affairs had long tried to turn us into farmers; I thought hemp was a good way to do that.»

«All of this makes me angry. Now [that he’s 65], I no longer have the strength to build a business. The United States should honor the treaties and respect our sovereignty.».

However, Eric Steenstra is optimistic about the possibility of fully legalizing cultivation: «Outsourcing American jobs isn’t very popular right now; there’s huge potential for the economy, so it would be crazy not to move forward.»

For America to become a major player in the hemp industry, it will need to launch a new infrastructure and investment program, since the The crop has not been grown since 1937.

Hemp disappeared from the American industry due to the «Marijuana Tax Act» by Harry Anslinger, who was head of the narcotics division at the time. He wanted to keep his job after Prohibition. He had the support of the Dupont Company, the inventor of nylon, and William Randolph Hearst, the wood-pulp magnate.

Because of its resemblance to «devil weed,» hemp was banned from the American economy, even though Ford was developing an engine that ran on hemp oil. It’s funny enough to be worth mentioning: during World War II, wartime propaganda urged farmers to return to the hemp fields to produce military supplies (parachutes, canvas).

France is one of the leading suppliers of The United States and Hemp. However, its use remains somewhat limited. While hemp has proven to be an excellent insulator, its cost is still too high to be competitive. But this is an industry that should benefit from the renewed interest in hemp to help lower its production costs. The France has a wealth of expertise a major player in hemp cultivation. It is Europe’s leading hemp producer and the world’s second-largest, behind China.