For centuries, hemp was a major part of North American life, used to make ropes, textiles, and other products. But in 1937, the United States passed the Marijuana Tax Act, which made it illegal to grow or possess hemp without special tax stamps. This marked the beginning of the end for hemp in America. Hemp production was banned in the United States in 1937, with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act.
This act was part of a larger effort to combat drug use in the United States. As a result, hemp was no longer cultivated for its fibers used in the manufacture of ropes and textiles. Two weeks ago, however, the North Carolina House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill that would legalize industrial hemp production in the state. Hemp has a long history in North America.
It was first brought to Jamestown, Virginia from England in the 17th century and used to make ropes, candles and clothing. In addition, many of the colonies were forced by law to grow hemp and return it to England, creating an industry based on cultivation that ultimately led to its use as a currency and method for paying taxes. During World War II, the United States government promoted hemp through its “HEMP for Victory” program. This program focused on cultivating hemp for use in textiles, such as ropes for the Navy, in order to reinforce United States efforts in World War II.
The height of hemp promotion came when the United States government released a pro-hemp documentary called Hemp for Victory, which encouraged farmers across the Midwest and Southeast to grow hemp to support the war. Since then, American farmers have grown hemp that was used in many different products, such as paper, lamp fuels, and cords. In addition, individual states continue to pass laws that facilitate the cultivation of hemp and the production and sale of CBD supplements within their borders. Today, Americans are finally learning the difference between hemp and marijuana.
From tinctures and topical products to gummies and even chewables for dogs, people are discovering new ways to use hemp products. The Drug Enforcement Administration told PBS NewsHour that it has granted several dozen permits to grow hemp in nine states. A new infrastructure is being created to help farmers harvest and process their crops. The CSA did not directly ban hemp for industrial purposes, but instead required producers to obtain a permit from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The rule re-emphasizes an earlier USDA ruling that interstate transportation is legal, even if the shipment goes through a state that does allow hemp cultivation. For their experiment, Mitlin's team cooked discarded hemp stalks that the government stored in Alberta (Canada), where it is legal to grow industrial hemp.
