HempNews

September 2, 2010 – Headache? Try CannaCare.

Earlier this week, a television commercial advertising medicinal marijuana was aired in California – the first ever broadcast in the U.S. The ad was shown over Fox affiliate KTXL in Sacramento, and has swirled up a nice little cloud of controversy from community members who worry about the commercial’s effect on children. The ad itself features a series of testimonials from customers, all A-typical of our drug culture stereotypes: A pretty young woman claims she was diagnosed with a bone disease, while a middle-aged woman says she was hit by a drunk driver.

Cannabis, now legal for medical use by prescription in 14 states, is used as an alternative to pain killers and because advertisement of prescription drugs is entirely legal, it could be tough for naysayers to push for the regulation of the broadcasts. It’s unlikely that legislation prohibiting just cannabis commercials would manifest out of objections to the ads without effecting marketing for all prescription drugs, a trend we saw lead by products like Viagra, America’s ‘Vitamin V’ famously endorsed by U.S. Senator Bob Dole in the late 1990s.

So who will be pot’s first paid spokesman? Bill Maher, we’re looking at you.

By: Allie Townsend Source.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/02/first-medical-marijuana-commercial-airs-in-california/#ixzz0yOYvm2K8

Agust 31, 2010 – “We heard that we could have a really great neighborhood party if it ever caught on fire,” Karen Korp jokes with CNN in this video about her and husband Russ Martin’s new home made from hemp in Asheville, North Carolina.

The building material, “hempcrete,” is a combination of hemp, lime and water, which the home’s designer, Anthony Brenner, says acts like a “built-in air filter,” improving air quality and avoiding any toxic or chemical building materials. The material is also inexpensive and more efficient than standard building options. “The insulating factor and thermal capabilities are fantastic,” Brenner tells CNN.

The 3,400-square-foot home has other green features implemented, as well, like walls and doors made from recycled paper. Martin says the home only cost them $133 per square foot to build, but the true reward will come from the long-term savings on energy bills.