WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011 — For the fourth time since the federal government outlawed hemp farming in the United States over 50 years ago, a federal bill was introduced on May 11, which if passed, will remove restrictions on the cultivation of industrial hemp, the non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis. The chief sponsor, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter last week seeking support for H.R. 1831, The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011. H.R. 1831 is almost identical to H.R. 1866, which was introduced in the 111th Congress in 2009.

“We are pleased to see the re-introduction of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act in Congress. Vote Hemp is currently working with a Democratic Senator who is preparing to introduce companion legislation in the Senate in support of industrial hemp farming,” says Vote Hemp President, Eric Steenstra. “It is due time for the Senate as well as President Obama and the Attorney General to prioritize the crop’s benefits to farmers and to take action like Rep. Paul and the cosponsors of H.R. 1831 have done. With the U.S. hemp industry valued at over $400 million in annual retail sales and growing, a change in federal policy to allow hemp farming would mean instant job creation, among many other economic and environmental benefits,” adds Steenstra.

U.S. companies that manufacture or sell products made with hemp include Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, a California company that manufactures the number-one-selling natural soap in the U.S. as well as best-selling hemp food manufacturers, such as French Meadow Bakery, Living Harvest, Manitoba Harvest, Nature’s Path, Nutiva and Sequel Naturals who make their products from hemp grown in Canada. Sustainable hemp seed, fiber and oil are also used by major companies such as Ford Motors, Patagonia and The Body Shop.

“Public support for industrial hemp farming is growing in leaps and bounds in the U.S.,” explains Steenstra. “The second annual Hemp History Week, celebrated from May 2-8, 2011 featured over 550 events in all 50 states. The campaign mobilized the support of tens of thousands of consumers, grass-roots activists and many high-profile celebrities from health and wellness experts to TV and entertainment personalities, professional athletes and renowned musicians.”

H.R. 1831 was introduced by chief sponsor Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) with 21 original cosponsors, including Rep. Baldwin (D-WI), Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Clay (D-MO), Rep. Cohen (D-TN), Rep. DeFazio (D-OR), Rep. Ellison (D-MN), Rep. Farr (D-CA), Rep. Frank (D-MA), Rep. Grijalva (D-AZ), Rep. Hinchey (D-NY), Rep. McClintock (R-CA), Rep. McDermott (D-WA), Rep. Miller (D-CA), Rep. Moran (D-VA), Rep. Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Polis (D-CO), Rep. Rohrabacher (R-CA), Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Stark (D-CA) and Rep. Woolsey (D-CA).

To date, seventeen states have passed pro-hemp legislation, and six states (Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont and West Virginia) have already authorized the licensing of farmers to grow the crop. However, despite state authorization to grow hemp, farmers in these states risk raids by federal agents, prison time and land forfeiture if they plant the crop, due to the failure of federal policy to distinguish oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis (i.e., industrial hemp) from psychoactive varieties.

More information about industrial hemp legislation and the crop’s many uses can be found at

www.VoteHemp.com.

SOURCE:

May 5, 2011 – Most readers likely have some hemp in the house — whether it’s hemp cereal in the kitchen, hemp clothes in the closet, or hemp soap in the bathroom. I’ve got all of the above — plus hemp napkins besides. After all, hemp’s super-versatile plant — and it’s known for growing easily without pesticides. Add in the nutritional benefits of hemp foods — like high Omega-3 content — and it’s no wonder why many environmentalists are hot for hemp.

There is a problem with hemp products, however. If you live in the U.S., none of the hemp you buy’s local. That’s a real conundrum for locavores and local economy advocates alike. Why are we importing all our hemp stuff, instead of growing it ourselves? It’s illegal to grow hemp in the U.S., thanks to laws that don’t distinguish between marijuana plants that get you high, and industrial hemp plants that don’t.

That’s why this week’s Hemp History Week, organized by some of my favorite green brands — Dr. Bronner’s, Manitoba Harvest, Nature’s Path and Nutiva. Basically, this week-long effort’s intended to re-legalize industrial hemp farming in the U.S.

The effort’s got some high-profile eco-celebs behind it. “Clueless” actress and “The Kind Diet” author Alicia Silverstone and holistic wellness guru Dr. Weil have put their names behind the cause, for one. If you want to join their ranks, you can sign a petition to allow U.S. farmers to grow hemp. Want to go further? Write your elected representatives about the same. In California, State Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) has promised this year to reintroduce a bill to allow California farmers to grow industrial hemp, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, I’m celebrating Hemp History Week by enjoying some delicious hemp dishes — like this Cabbage Hemp Salad (recipe from “Crazy Sexy Diet“). Since it’s strawberry season here, I’ve also made this Blueberry Hemp Shake — substituting blueberries for farmers market strawberries.

My tips for healthy hemp shopping? As usual, opt for organic products. For food, hemp seeds and oils are nice, clean, simple choices to add on to salads and smoothies. I usually get hemp seeds from the bulk bin; Manitoba Harvest‘s organic hemp oils and sees are also tasty if you don’t have the bulk bin option at your local store. I do also get hemp milks and protein powders for smoothies — but since many of those have sugar added to them, I like to read the ingredients and choose the unsweetened stuff.

Right now, many Whole Foods stores have Hemp History Week displays and discounts — so stop by before May 10 to take advantage of those. And Hemp History Month events are happening across the country this week. Check the events list to find one near you.

What’s your favorite hemp-y dish?

by Siel Ju. Source.