Global Hemp Revolution

The history and power of hemp in America

Reeferrals
Homeland Security
3 min readJul 8, 2015

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DISCLAIMER: This is no way intended to advocate for the manufacture, importation, distribution or use of marijuana for recreational use. The content here is designed to be used in the context of a scenario planning exercise to generate innovative and creative dialogue.

Did you know that the first two copies of the Declaration of Independence were written on Hemp paper? Our forefathers didn’t seem to have a problem using Hemp products and they wrote signed legislation! Prior to independence, in the 1600’s The British Colonies were mandated to grow hemp for its textile value. As a point of contradiction or fate, the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides” was built with nearly 55 tons of fiber was needed for the lines and rigging on that vessel alone. Even more hemp fiber went into making canvas for sails and caulking for the wooden hull. More than 120,000 pounds of hemp fiber was needed to rig the 44-gun ship!

In modern day America, just this year in Colorado, the Whole Hemp Company announced that it is going to expand its operation to La Junta, Colorado, where it will be converting an empty building into a grow Center and processing/ production facility. “This building has been empty for 12 years and having Whole Hemp Company repurpose it is a great step towards revitalizing the community,” said Mayor Lynn Horner. Otero County Commissioner Jim Baldwin added, “We are looking forward to having the Whole Hemp Company in Otero County. They will be bringing jobs, using our farm land, and potentially bringing other businesses.” After the announcement, Kashif Shan, CEO of Whole Hemp Company, said “Whole Hemp Company is really excited to be in La Junta and have been overwhelmed by the support that the local community has already given.” The Whole Hemp Company plans to hire 30 to 40 people within the first couple of weeks with aspirations to hire 100 to 200 employees total over the next 12 to 24 months.

The developing marijuana industry still struggles with regulation and disclaimers especially in regards to THC level disclosure and labeling. Although a group of students have come up with an idea for the industry to attempt self-regulation thru the use of a mere App. For more information check out their article: HTTPS://Medium.com/@reeferrals/BFF1093F713D

What do you think?

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