May 31, 2010 – The events taking place in the Gulf of Mexico have sounded alarms for a rallying cry for new alternative fuels. The best of these may come from hemp.

Hemp has been cultivated for its many uses for the past 12,000 years. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on their farms, mostly for the beneficial products provided by its fibers and seeds. Though one of the most versatile and fastest growing plants in the world, hemp has long endured image problems because of its pharmacological properties. Yet a closer look at hemp reveals that it may provide a large piece of the puzzle in solving our current and future energy and ecological dilemmas.

America Runs on Oil in More Ways than One

The car culture in America has been going strong since the end of World War II and despite financial woes and gas prices north of three dollars per gallon, shows no signs of declining. Crude oil for gasoline represents just one of the ways oil permeates nearly every facet of our lives. Most synthetic clothing fibers are derived from petroleum, for example. Disposable diapers, combs, cosmetics, trash bags and food preservatives form part of a list pages long of everyday products derived from oil. This is why electric cars solve only part of the oil-overconsumption problem.

Hemp for Energy, Building Materials, and Paper

The mention of the word causes visions of stoned slackers in comedy movies yet hemp may be the ultimate natural resource. According to the website hempcar.org, hempseed oil can be produced into non-toxic diesel fuel. In addition, hemp cellulose fibers can be fermented and converted into ethanol fuel. Hemp can also be used to produce fiberboard that is lighter than wood, stronger than wood and fire resistant. One acre of hemp produces as much fiber as two to three acres of cotton and clothing from its fibers lasts longer. Finally, hemp from paper is stronger and more recyclable than wood fiber.

Fallacies about Hemp

Millions of wild hemp plants currently grow throughout the United States. Unlike cotton, which requires a moderate climate, hemp grows in all fifty states. Yet cultivation of hemp has been largely outlawed in this country since the late 1930s because of its pharmacological properties. Wild hemp, similar to the types grown in other countries for industrial use, contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive drug component. Still, marijuana laws prevent farmers from cultivating a plant that already flourishes in nature.

Hemp fiber has long been suited for rope. During World War II, the government sanctioned hemp farms for the quick production of sturdy rope fiber. It was long thought that hemp fiber would be too rough and scratchy against delicate human skin, for clothing, yet today’s re-engineered fibers produce softer, more comfortable textiles.

May 30,2010 – A very tough part of being a responsible medical marijuana patient is talking to children about it.  I recently received an e-mail asking me to cover this topic, and so I went to the best place possible to receive the answer – The Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse Clinic in Portland, Oregon.  Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMAS) is the clinic I go to for all of my medical marijuana needs; classes, doctors, forms, etc.  I was there yesterday renewing my card, and I found a great educational pamphlet dealing with medical marijuana and children.  Here is the pamphlet transcribed below:

Through the Eyes of a Child

As a parent your behavior will determine, more than any other factor, how your child will approach the use of drugs.  Think carefully about the messages you send.

Children need to see that you approach all drug use as a serious decision that requires careful consideration.  Even young children can understand how to be careful with drugs, and a 10 year old can learn to relate dosage to body weight.  The care that you show regarding all drug use will go far to prepare your children for the many choices facing them regarding drugs.

Your child eventually will decide if, and how, he or she will use a drug.  Whether now or in the future, it is almost certain your child will be making choices about drinking beverages with sugar and caffeine, using an over the counter pain killer, tobacco, alcohol, or drugs that are suggested by a doctor, advertised on television or sold on the street. It is in your child’s best interests to understand the risks of all drug use.

Learn how to use the ‘Drug Consumer Safety Guidelines’ so that you can show your children the skills they need to evaluate all drug use.  Know where to get accurate information, and the questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

DRUG CONSUMER SAFETY GUIDELINES

1.  Identify the name of the chemical.

2.  Determine where it is working in your body (main effects, side effects, and adverse reactions).

3.  Understand the correct dosage and administration.

4.  Realize what drug interactions will occur with what you eat, drink, or other drugs you may be using.

5.  Know if allergic reactions can occur, the symptoms and when to seek help.

6.  Find out if it can produce tolerance and know the signs.

7.  Determine if it can produce drug dependence.