We all know hemp is a terrific plant. As if its usefulness wasn't enough, it's good for the soil. It grows quickly and is hardy. Our forefathers grew it for a few centuries. We could use vacant fallow acres for a cash crop and add needed dollars to the state and economy.
Seems logical, right?
So why not? Because some pignorant people think it's marijuana. Somehow, because it's a related plant family, it's verboten. This is like outlawing eggplants or tomatoes because they're part of the nightshade family.
But I don't hear any progress or active push to decriminalize hemp. So what seems needed is discussion. With the bad economy perhaps it's time to restart the education and push again to legalize hemp growing in VT?
Authored by: Mr. Buddy Love on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 01:13 AM GMT+4
Have you heard the Surf Punks?
Dennis Dragon: "We need a God-D--d Disco hit."
"Why?"
"Because we need MONEY!"
"Okay!"
"Well, is it okay if we do a God-D--d Disco Hit and make money with
it?"
Authored by: tomaidh on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 12:52 AM GMT+4
How would you like a building material that is stronger than cement and SIX TIMES lighter? Better yet, one of its main ingredients in the waste product of a plant that literally grows like a weed. Well, Big Brother says you can't have it because the plant - hemp - is "dangerous to society." http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/491.html
No less an industrial and financial titan than Henry Ford demonstrated that the plant hemp could be transformed into a lightweight material stronger than steel. The perfect material for car bodies. Who needs steel?
Maybe the guys who owned all the iron ore and coal fields (the Rockefeller syndicate) needed steel which is why for decades this simple technological possibility has been denied to us. http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/490.html
HEMP IS ILLEGAL BECAUSE BILLIONAIRES WANT TO REMAIN BILLIONAIRES!
Much more info: http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=3774
Authored by: tomaidh on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 01:16 AM GMT+4
There's another "green tree" we might think about today. One that could feed and clothe billions of the world's poor and increase the standard of living for everyone. One problem: It's been made illegal.
Details: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/505.html
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 02:25 PM GMT+4
My favorite shirt was purchased from Save the
Corporations about 7-8 years ago. It's made of
hemp and I don't think I'll ever where it out. It's one
durable fabric. If my land were flat and treeless, I'd
consider putting in for a license to grow it.
Authored by: joebob on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 03:09 AM GMT+4
If I am not mistaken, Vermont H.267 was passed into law effective June 1, 2008.
The Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to permit the development of an industrial hemp industry in Vermont.
AN ACT RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
Sec. 1. 6 V.S.A. chapter 34 is added to read:
CHAPTER 34. INDUSTRIAL HEMP
§ 560. DEFINITIONS
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Grower” means any person or business entity licensed under this chapter by the secretary as an industrial hemp grower.
(2) “Hemp products” means all products made from industrial hemp, including, but not limited to, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, paint, paper, particle board, plastics, seed, seed meal, and seed oil, and certified seed for cultivation if such seeds originate from industrial hemp varieties.
(3) “Industrial hemp” means all parts and varieties of the plant cannabis sativa, whether growing or not, that are cultivated or possessed by a licensed grower in compliance with this chapter.
(4) “Secretary” means the secretary of agriculture, food and markets.
§ 561. INDUSTRIAL HEMP: AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT
Industrial hemp is an agricultural product which may be grown, produced, possessed, and commercially traded in Vermont pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
§ 562. LICENSING; APPLICATION
(a) Any person or business entity wishing to engage in the production of industrial hemp must be licensed as an industrial hemp grower by the secretary. A license from the secretary shall authorize industrial hemp production only at a site or sites specified by the license.
(b) A license from the secretary shall be valid for 24 months and may be renewed but shall not be transferable.
(c) To qualify for a license from the secretary, an applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the secretary that the applicant intends to grow and is capable of growing industrial hemp and has adopted methods to ensure its safe production, which at a minimum shall include:
(1) Furnishing the secretary with an affirmation that the grower is now and will continue to be in compliance with all state laws regulating the planting and cultivation of hemp.
(2) Securing the supply of all industrial hemp seed obtained for planting.
(3) Ensuring the integrity of the industrial hemp crop while it is in the field, which shall include filing with the secretary the location and acreage of all parcels sown and other field reference information as may be required by the secretary.
(4) Ensuring that all parts of the industrial hemp plant that do not enter the stream of commerce as hemp products, such as flowers and leaves, are destroyed or recycled at the place of production.
(5) Maintaining records that reflect compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with all other state laws regulating the planting and cultivation of hemp.
(d) Every grower shall maintain all production records for at least three years at the production site.
(e) Every grower shall allow crops to be inspected by the department of public safety or the agency of agriculture, food and markets at the discretion of those departments.
§ 563. SEED; IMPORTATION
(a) The secretary shall be the sole source and supplier of seed for use in industrial hemp production in the state.
(b) A grower shall use only hemp seed obtained from the secretary.
§ 564. REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION OF LICENSE;
ENFORCEMENT
(a) The secretary may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of any grower who:
(1) Makes a false statement or misrepresentation on an application for a license or renewal of a license.
(2) Fails to comply with or violates any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it.
(b) Revocation or suspension of a license may be in addition to any criminal penalties or fines imposed on a grower under other state law.
Authored by: CDoubleday on Tuesday, January 20 2009 @ 04:34 AM GMT+4
I guess you'd have to ask the Secretary of Agriculture whether anyone's growing it or not as he'd be the one to know. My guess is there's probably a few out there but they probably want to keep it quiet as not to draw attention to themselves. Keep in mind under federal law hemp is still illegal which means the FBI could legally raid and seize all the product if they so want, as happens with California's legal medical marijuana. Which doesn't exactly encourage people to grow it.
And while we're at it, why don't kids give up rap and bass-heavy music
and embrace high energy surf instrumentals and Chuck Berry rock 'n roll?
Nobody ever said people were logical.