Hemp history: The Rich Legacy of Hemp Table of Contents Toggle Hemp history is fascinating, spanning countless millennia.The world chooses the chemical wayHemp as an alternativeTime to change hemp history yet? Hemp history is fascinating, spanning countless millennia. Regarded as one of the oldest cultivated plants, its versatile applications have been cherished throughout the ages. Often referred to as the “king of plants,” in hemp history it enjoyed vast popularity and familiarity until the 1930s—a turning point in its journey. In the 1930s, hemp’s potential as a renewable source of food, paper, fuel, and other essential resources started gaining public recognition. Renowned figures like Henry Ford even utilized hemp to build a car, showcasing its versatility. Magazines like “Popular Mechanics” featured articles highlighting hemp’s potential as a sustainable raw material. The world chooses the chemical way However, the emergence of hemp as a potential threat to major American industries alarmed them. They sought to maintain dominance over resources, such as fossil fuels for energy and trees for paper production. Their opposition in hemp history sprouted from its perceived association with drug use. In a swift decision that lasted a mere 90 seconds, hemp was banned in the American Congress. Subsequently, many other countries around the world followed suit, often unaware of the true reasons behind the ban. This historical turn of events carries significant implications that continue to impact our environment. While the concerns surrounding drug usage were valid, it would have been more beneficial to address those issues specifically rather than blanket-banning hemp. Developing THC-free hemp strains earlier could have easily addressed the concerns around drug use. In fact, the process of making rapeseed consumable for humans took only 20 years, demonstrating that alternatives were possible. Hemp as an alternative Presently, we find ourselves heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which come at an increasing cost to our environment. Rudolf Diesel’s initial vision for vegetable oils as fuel, when he introduced the “Diesel” engine, could have led us down a different path. The environmental challenges we face today are largely a result of our excessive burning of fossil fuels, accounting for approximately 80% of global environmental problems. Moreover, our clothing is predominantly made from heavily sprayed cotton, which requires copious amounts of agricultural chemicals. Hemp provides a healthier alternative for textiles that doesn’t require chemical interventions. Additionally, the paper-making process involves boiling wood, consuming vast amounts of electrical energy. However, hemp paper, renowned for its durability, could have substantially reduced our ecological impact and energy consumption. The eating habits of the Western world are known to be detrimental to our health, with processed foods clogging our arteries. Instead of consuming healthy hemp-based products that promote cardiovascular health, we rely on processed alternatives that contribute to heart diseases, strokes, and other health issues. Furthermore, hemp holds great potential in regenerative farming practices. With its ability to suppress weeds without the need for herbicides and its positive impact on soil health, hemp proves to be a valuable crop in sustainable agriculture. Time to change hemp history yet? Hemp history serves as a stark reminder of how we lost a valuable resource in favor of less healthy and potentially harmful alternatives. At reidarsson.com, we have been committed to promoting a sustainable environment and healthy eating habits since 2004. We recognize the ban on hemp as one of the most detrimental decisions for our planet. Drug-free industrial hemp offers a promising solution to various environmental and health challenges. By fostering a harmonious relationship between health, technology, environment, and economy, we can pave the way for a better future. Together, we can rediscover and embrace the true potential of hemp! Toby Reidarsson Reidarsson.com