Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:05 am
Oil should be left alone where it meant to be. There are many forms of oil that are causing huge problems to our health, food, environment and the deterioration of our world's ocean ecosystems.

There are safer ways to keep our economic structure going without the use of oil such as natural hemp. Natural hemp industrialization can reverse and improve in such a big way to our DEPLETING PLANET.

Hemp is very much a danger to the oil companies, alcohol, tobacco industries and a large number of chemical corporations. Various big businesses, with plenty of dollars and influence, have suppressed the truth from the people.

The truth is if hemp was utilized for its vast array of commercial products, it would create an industrial atomic bomb! Entrepreneurs have not been educated on the product potential of hemp. The super rich have conspired to spread misinformation about an extremely versatile plant that, if used properly, would ruin their companies.

Hemp cultivation and production do not harm the environment.

For thousands of years, 90% of all ships' sails and rope were made from hemp.

80% of all textiles, fabrics, clothes, linen, drapes, bed sheets, etc. were made from hemp until the 1820s with the introduction of the cotton gin.

The first Bibles, maps, charts, Betsy Ross's flag, the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were made from hemp

Oldest known records of hemp farming go back 5000 years in China, although hemp industrialization probably goes back to ancient Egypt.

In 1916, the U.S. Government predicted that by the 1940s all paper would come from hemp and that no more trees need to be cut down. Government studies report that 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees. Plans were in the works to implement such programs; Department of Agriculture

Henry Ford's first Model-T was built to run on hemp gasoline and the CAR ITSELF WAS CONSTRUCTED FROM HEMP! On his large estate, Ford was photographed among his hemp fields. The car, 'grown from the soil,' had hemp plastic panels whose impact strength was 10 times stronger than steel; Popular Mechanics, 1941.

'It has a short growing season...It can be grown in any state...The long roots penetrate and break the soil to leave it in perfect condition for the next year's crop. The dense shock of leaves, 8 to 12 feet above the ground, chokes out weeds.
...hemp, this new crop can add immeasurably to American agriculture and industry.'

In the 1930s, innovations in farm machinery would have caused an industrial revolution when applied to hemp. This single resource could have created millions of new jobs generating thousands of quality products. Hemp, if not made illegal, would have brought America out of the Great Depression.

In 1937, Dupont patented the processes to make plastics from oil and coal. Dupont's Annual Report urged stockholders to invest in its new petrochemical division. Synthetics such as plastics, cellophane, celluloid, methanol, nylon, rayon, Dacron, etc., could now be made from oil. Natural hemp industrialization would have ruined over 80% of Dupont's business.

Today, our planet is in desperate trouble. Earth is suffocating as large tracts of rain forests disappear. Pollution, poisons and chemicals are killing people. These great problems could be reversed if we industrialized hemp. Natural biomass could provide all of the planet's energy needs that are currently supplied by fossil fuels. We have consumed 80% of our oil and gas reserves. We need a renewable resource. Hemp could be the solution to soaring gas prices.

Hemp has a higher quality fiber than wood fiber. Far fewer caustic chemicals are required to make paper from hemp than from trees. Hemp paper does not turn yellow and is very durable. The plant grows quickly to maturity in a season where trees take a lifetime.

ALL PLASTIC PRODUCTS SHOULD BE MADE FROM HEMP SEED OIL. Hempen plastics are biodegradable! Over time, they would break down and not harm the environment. Oil-based plastics, the ones we are very familiar with, help ruin nature; they do not break down and will do great harm in the future. The process to produce the vast array of natural (hempen) plastics will not ruin the rivers as Dupont and other petrochemical companies have done. Ecology does not fit in with the plans of the Oil Industry and the political machine. Hemp products are safe and natural.

All of these amazing benefits that can heal our world from just one plant!! There are other plants and natural substances out there that can do the same.

If oil has not being brought out in the first place, our air, food, water, environment would have been so much cleaner for everyone to enjoy.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:29 am

Thanks, Serge!

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:50 am
Although I don't have much hope on this front, I certainly support it. Thanks, Serge.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:50 am
Good one Serge. I first read this book many years ago and even use Hemp thread in sewing re-cycled leather Purses. Have been an advocate for it's mulitple uses, for over twenty years now. Peace in our Quest for truth

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:51 am
Absolutely, there are many ways to think about things, sure some people want it decriminalized only for personal use, so what? Some people go home at night and pour a drink of wine or alcohol and that like pot is no one's business. And the many uses of hemp should not be ignored. We are growing corn for bio-fuel - causing a food shortage and costing more in fossil fuel to convert it then what we gain. Thanks Serge.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:53 am
Now, Serge, why would you send this to me?! (LMAO!)

It's God's Perfect Medicine, fuel, textiles, paper,
plastic, etc. ad infinitum.
The U.S.Navy to this day insists on having hemp rope,
because it's stronger than steel cable. The Govt. maintains
a hemp farm at the University of Alabama, solely to grow
hemp for the Navy's ropes.
There was a time in colonial America, and after we became
a nation, hemp cultivation was the law! People could pay
their taxes with hemp.
Marijuana was admitted into the United States Pharmacoepia
in 1830. It was primarily racism against Mexican immigrants
in the late 20's and early 30's that led to the "Reefer Madness"
mentality and the outlawing of marijuana and hemp. Under intense
political pressure, marijuana was removed from the U.S. Pharmacoepia
in 1942.
The funny (not ha-ha) thing is, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
appeared to legalise marijuana. The idea was, if people paid the tax
on their marijuana, it would be legal. However, to pay the tax, a
person had to present their "stash" at the County Clerk's office to
pay the tax. BUT, at that point, they'd not yet paid the tax, and
as the entered the County Clerk's office, they were illegally in
possession of marijuana. The 1st person prosecuted under this law
was some poor slob in Oklahoma who ended up doing 5 years in the
state prison.
If people only knew the tens of thousands of things
that can be done with hemp and marijuana, this would be
a different world.
Thanks so much, Serge!
noted! :-)

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:58 am
Your welcome Tim, lol.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 11:08 am
I wish I could spell 'noises'. Hear my primal scream!! I've owned a copy of The Emperor Wears No Clothes for at least 15 years. Times have changed, we now truly have the ability to share common sense information in such a vast manner as to have some chance of eradicating the ignorant prejudices and blatant misinformation (lies) affecting the ability to make use of this gift from our Mother Earth.

Share this information far and wide. Hemp provides an avenue of solution to breaking our dependence on nearly everything that is leading to our ultimate destruction.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 11:32 am
Thank you, Serge.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 12:16 pm
Grazie, Thank you Serge for this article mi amore. Have you seen my page...lol...I am a TRUE ADVOCATE for HEMP, and Medicinal M. for many years now hon, so I truly do appreciate your news.

Now, if we can only get the politics out of the way, then we would be able to "legalize" it...but you know the government! There are so many good things that can come out of this. The govt. could tax it, farmers would make money growing it, prisoners for having pot would not be in prison, you can make houses, use it for fuel, think about it. Education is the key to knowing about Hemp. It's a good thing to legalize it.

Hell, in the 50's they were using it like crazy here in the USA, and no one cared or thought anything of it, why not now? I'll tell ya why, cause then the BIG companies, PHARMAS included would go out of business, and the govt. wouldn't like that, oh no!

{Geez, in Amsterdam you can sit and smoke all you want, {not hemp} and buy what you like...In some parts of Canada your allowed to do the same thing}.

Please read my page, I am truly passionate about advocating for Hemp & Medicinal Marijuana, trust me. I've done my research.

Lots of love, peace & harmony to all...this is HIGHLY noted...LOL
FreeSpiritRunning...

Thursday January 29, 2009, 12:28 pm
Thank you for ALL your hard work for Free spirit Mon Cheri! It Is appreciated, the people must find out THE TRUTH. OUR Gov't will soon come to see if they don't already there is no other WAY thru this and that bis the way with reverence for life and the HIGHEST and BEST good for ALL concerned, NOW and ALL WAYS.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 12:52 pm
I did not know all this
thank s for the info...
noted

Thursday January 29, 2009, 2:48 pm
Thanks for posting this informative video...
I have this video on our website www.agrogreencanada.com

They hide and supress all the good stuff don't they, hehe Too bad it's all being revealed right infront of their faces this time around...

Thanks and Cheers Serge!

Thursday January 29, 2009, 2:48 pm
No need to convince me. I've been sold on the benefits and versatility of hemp for years. One of my clients manufacturers hemp clothing and it's beautiful. We just need to convince Obama and Congress. Thanks Serge!

Thursday January 29, 2009, 3:16 pm
Why don't we use Hemp and save our trees? Fuel and all this is the way to go.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 3:53 pm
No arguments here...Farmers were paid to grow hemp at one time, which with all it's uses makes sense, not to mention it takes less water. We need to pass the same regulations for the plant otherwise as what we have in placed with a person making their own wine,beer etc.Pass that and you do away with the illegal transportation acoss the lower border. Only losers would be the big dealers and drug companies, and of course our jails...three sources I'd love to see in the losing end.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 3:54 pm
This President's Day remember that George Washington raised hemp and probably smoked it

On this coming President's Day, Barack Obama should take a hint from our First President by kicking off a national campaign to end Prohibition and re-legalize both hemp and marijuana. It's time to honor our ancestors.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 4:04 pm
I'm with Laurie no arguements here either I am medical patient in Oregon and no doubt would rather partake in Hemp as medication than valuimn or others tried for my siezure disorder any of you ever in Oregon stop on by and say HIGH !

Thursday January 29, 2009, 4:06 pm
*Hemp has been grown for at least the last 12,000 years for fiber (textiles and paper) and food. It has been effectively prohibited in the United States since the 1950s.

*George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp. Ben Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper. Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.

*When US sources of "Manila hemp" (not true hemp) was cut off by the Japanese in WWII, the US Army and US Department of Agriculture promoted the "Hemp for Victory" campaign to grow hemp in the US.

*Because of its importance for sails (the word "canvass" is rooted in "cannabis") and rope for ships, hemp was a required crop in the American colonies.

Thursday January 29, 2009, 5:29 pm
Such intelligent,compassionate people here....why are we not running this country

Thursday January 29, 2009, 9:59 pm
Laurie, none of us here are running
the country because we aren't corrupt
enough to do so!

Thursday January 29, 2009, 10:03 pm
Thanks Serge. Another great book to read. Hemp and nearly all of its potential for great contribution is suppressed by big business, greed, political control. Like so many products and inventors of products with great potential to provide for humans in a abundant way, and not detrimental to our environment. Often times the need for change is obvious, but the task appears overwhelming.
Remember the freedom riders in Mississippi in the early 1960's, Rosa Parks, Civil rights marches. Look who our President is. Change happens when people stand up for it.
I am glad to have this info, and will share it with elected people in my state of Wi.

Friday January 30, 2009, 2:04 am
YAY Serge! Bravo for posting this, more people must be informed of the benefits of hemp. As more people become aware of Hemp's usefulness and potentials as a sustainable crop attitudes will change.
The DEA is the one roadblock which yet must be overcome, this agency for all its funding and resources doesn't seem to understand the difference between Hemp and Pot as seen in this lawsuit brought on by farmers...

Licensed Hemp Farmers Heard by U.S. Court of Appeals
Decision in Lawsuit Could Bring Back Hemp Farming in U.S.
ST. PAUL, MN — Two North Dakota farmers, who filed a lawsuit in June of 2007 to end the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) ban on commercial hemp farming in the U.S., were heard yesterday, November 12, 2008, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The oral arguments before the three judge panel centered on the farmer's assertion that because there is no possibility the hemp crop could be diverted into the market for drugs, the Commerce Clause does not allow DEA to regulate industrial hemp farming in North Dakota. If successful, the landmark lawsuit will lead to the first state-regulated commercial cultivation of industrial hemp in over fifty years. The court's decision is not expected until next year.
The farmers, North Dakota State Rep. David Monson and seed breeder Wayne Hauge, are appealing a decision by the U.S. District Court of North Dakota on a number of grounds; in particular, the District Court ruled that hemp and marijuana are the same, as DEA has wrongly contended. In fact, scientific evidence clearly shows that not only are oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis genetically distinct from drug varieties, but there are absolutely no psychoactive effects gained from eating it. All court documents related to the case can be found online.
Representative Monson observed oral arguments made on his behalf by attorneys Joe Sandler and Tim Purdon. In court Mr. Sandler argued, "Given North Dakota's unique regulatory regime, nothing leaves the farmer's property except those parts of the plant Congress has already decided should be exempt from regulation: hemp stalk, fiber seed and oil. The question is whether there is any rational basis for Congressional regulation of the plant itself growing on the farmer's property. The answer is no — because industrial hemp is useless as drug marijuana and there's no danger of diversion, so there's no possible impact on the market for drug marijuana."
The government's arguments centered on the idea that the plaintiffs should apply to the DEA for permission to grow hemp and that the court didn't have jurisdiction over the issues raised by the farmers. "The plaintiffs should await the DEA's decision on their application," said Melissa Patterson on behalf of the government. In response, Judge Michael Milloy asked, "Isn't it true the DEA will not rule on the farmer's applications to grow hemp, you've had eleven months?" Ms. Patterson answered, "The DEA has not replied out of respect to the pending proceedings." In response to the jurisdictional objections made by the DEA, Judge Lavenski Smith said, "When there is a legitimate constitutional issue brought before us we can hear the case."
Background
In 2007 the North Dakota Legislature removed the requirement that state-licensed industrial hemp farmers first obtain DEA permits before growing hemp. The question before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals will be whether or not federal authorities can prosecute state-licensed farmers who grow non-drug oilseed and fiber hemp pursuant to North Dakota state law. Vote Hemp, the nation's leading industrial hemp advocacy group, and its supporters are providing financial support for the lawsuit. If it is successful, states across the nation will be free to implement their own hemp farming laws without fear of federal interference.
http://www.votehemp.com/PR/11-13-2008_licensed_hemp_farmers.html

Personally, I feel it's time to end the prohibition on hemp and pot and allow Americans the choice whether or not to use it.

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:05 am
Kim ~ Yes, the DEA who get their orders from big business and government stands in the way. Obama has yet to name a new DEA administrator.

Hemp would have fueled our cars years ago as was planned. However, DuPont (chemicals, oil, gas), Mellon (banking), Ford (auto), Hearst (hated poor people) and government worked together for their personal interests - not the people - and got hemp out of the way. Marijuana was now demonized as a drug, regardless that facts weren't included in this witch hunt.

Now that government, the auto industry and banking are drowning in the failed "experiment in capitalism" from the last 90-100 years or more, we need alternative fuels from companies with integrity using ethical standards where the best interests of the consumer are considered first.

Imagine what America, society and the world would be like today if hemp had been the primary fuel without harsh chemicals, greed and corruption? The benefits would have been humongous and would have paved the way to many other alternative fuels of choice. We would have saved millions of lives from people using marijuana as a mellowing effect, rather than alcohol which has killed so many. The use of hemp would have created many, many industries and jobs, as long as monopolies weren't formed by the rich bankers to control it all.

Looking forward, hemp should be on Obama's main table with his alternative energy and green resource considerations. The time is perfect to bring this ancient plant back to the forefront to help our economy and heal the nation.

We need to do what is right for the earth, all living things and the planet.

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:43 am
Noted with thanks Serge.

Friday January 30, 2009, 7:39 am
It's interesting to further note that Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine; designed his engine run on peanut oil!
Hemp seed oil has the potential to replace petroleum as a fuel, but I s'pose that's not in Big Oil'$ interests, is it?
When one thinks of all the products which could be made from Hemp, it's no wonder Big Corp$ strongly oppose legalising it for domestic production. It remains a crop American farmers are not allowed to produce, thus keeping them from competing in the global market!
Washington needs to turn away from big bu$ine$$ and their interests and allow farmers to cash in on Hemp production. HELLO... Anyone in Washington paying attention???

Friday January 30, 2009, 7:56 am
IT is very beneficial for makeing Bricks for building your houses. Six times lighter than normal bricks and healthy-er, with added protection of a built in repellent warding of insects and many forms of bacteria.
This Plant when cold pressed has the ability to boost your immunity systems cleans up your arteries and gives you a feeling of well being.
The female plant that is grown in Holland and now being found all over the world, has many good healing properties. It will relieve pain, and destroy Cancer growths should you be unlucky enough to grow one.
Seek and you can find your cure.
It is not addictive and will not harm the body in any way.
I speak with full experience and truth. AT 68 comeing up. I drink my hemp oil 4 times a day. It is what keeps me alive and I enjoy my Tobacco, which again is rolled by me and not washed with toxins.
Not too much, but when I need to get answers which only our Father knows the answers too. Love you all for bringing back truth. We have hope.
Janet. Thank you Father.

Friday January 30, 2009, 8:11 am
Kim ~ Good question. Maybe we need to MAKE Washington listen.

Janet ~ I wish I lived next door to you. But having you as a friend is the next best thing.

What an enlightening thread of great comments!

Friday January 30, 2009, 10:22 am
WAUW, great article!
Noted with thanks Serge

Friday January 30, 2009, 10:23 am
Sorry, also thanks to Janet for sharing this news with me.

Friday January 30, 2009, 12:45 pm
Before President Obama was elected, change.org had issues to vote on to pass to President-Elect Obama about where the People wanted the country to go and what issues we felt were important. The top 10 issues were then sent to change.gov, the Obama-Biden transition team web-site. At the close of voting before President Obama took office, change.org's issue with the highest votes was Legalize the Medicinal and Recreational Use of Marijuana with 19,530 votes. And at the transition site, change.gov, it was one of the top 3 before it even came over from change.org. In looking today on the Whitehouse web-site, there is no mention of the work marijuana anywhere on the site. When the word marijuana is typed into the search bar, the result that comes back is "Did you mean marian?" When the word hemp is typed into the search bar, the result that comes back is "Did you mean help?"

This is a LONG way from where this country started out with at least 3 laws on the books stating that hemp MUST be grown by farmers in America. Also at one point in time in the struggling newly made country that was America, hemp was used as cash and accepted as a viable form of payment for debts incurred.

President Obama has made quite an impact in the short time he's been in office and has made some great changes and good decisions, but will he be willing to take this topic on? I think not. When asked outright weather he planned to legalize marijuana his succinct answer was "No."

From the looks of things, while this country has grown up enough to accept a black president, it has not grown up enough to put reality in front of greed. Despite the fact that this one crop has so MANY uses that can get this country out of the hole it has dug for itself, it will be a cold day in Hell before any politician takes on any part of this issue. Hemp, in ANY form, including birdseed, is illegal now and it will stay illegal in the forseeable future.

Friday January 30, 2009, 12:57 pm
Now we are getting to the important business....Thanks so much for your words today! Now if we could only get our US government to stop protecting the Poppy fields in Afganistan; burn them and plant hemp.....then we would have something to be proud of protecting. thanks again!

Friday January 30, 2009, 1:36 pm
To Pat B.: I disagree.....
This just means we have to work that much harder. We aren't waiting on anyone to do these things FOR us!!!

Note that THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN 9/11 TRUTHERS put up their issue. They were CENSORED off of that site!

Nobody expects everything to be "solved" right off. As another posting said, there are still so many bad guys with lots of power and change will be slow and difficult. The Civil Rights Movement did not win in a day or a year; and it still is going on, after decades of struggle. But, now there is HOPE.

[My feeling is that Obama is taking on right off, things that he can win easily. Like the Lily Ledbetter thing he signed today, giving women EQUAL RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE. Very little opposition there. When he has some successes under his belt, then, to tackle the more "controversial" stuff. Therefore, it is REALLY UP TO US, to create the Public Opinion that will support him. Maybe in his second term!]

It is STILL of note, that LEGALIZING MARIJUANA, and INVESTIGATING 9/11 TRUTH, BOTH got the votes and publicity that they did, before they were removed from the site! That's the GOOD news! PEOPLE WERE NOT AFRAID OF SPEAKING UP. And neither should WE be!

Friday January 30, 2009, 1:40 pm
Thats the truth Nadiya, WE CAN do this by letting people know their spiritual truth and how powerful they really are so they stop using heroin and join us in Co-Creating the new Earth.

Janet, as all ways we thank you for your wisdom. Thank you father for all you do.

Marion - i wish i lived next door to Janet too, lol. but it sure is great to have her on my friends list, bless you all.

Thanks to everyone for all the input and caring

Friday January 30, 2009, 1:51 pm
I would like to extend an invitation to everyone posting here, if you are not already a member, to join the Care2 group HOPEFUL HEMPSTERS. It is a group I co-host. I also co-host another group, THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA EXPERIENCE. HOPEFUL HEMPSTERS emphasizes LEGALIZING HEMP FOR AMERICAN FARMERS; the Medical Marijuana group emphasizes SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM CANNABIS AS MEDICINE. But, BOTH groups are for TOTAL DE-CRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS USE and ENDING THE DRUG WARS.

There are also other Legalize Cannabis groups here on Care2; such as, Law Enforcement Officers for Legalization {I am not sure of the exact name of that group}.
PLEASE, JOIN A GROUP, GET ACTIVE, AND SPREAD THE WORD! {Believe it or not, there are still Care2 members who need to learn the TRUTH about Cannabis.}

It is up to US, to REVERSE THE STUPID POLICIES. We are not WAITING for Obama or any other ONE person, to act! For example, Medical Marijuana has been legalized STATE BY STATE; until there are now THIRTEEN States that have legalized it. So you can write to your Congresspersons, your newspapers, inform your family, friends, and neighbors, etc. Sign petitions, too. And VOTE! when measures are on the ballot in your locality.

Anyway, look up HOPEFUL HEMPSTERS and see if you would like to work with us!

Friday January 30, 2009, 2:15 pm
Ironically, there is a SHORTAGE of Opium for use as PAIN MEDICINE, all over the world, and especially in POOR COUNTRIES. That means that POOR PEOPLE HAVE TO SUFFER PAIN WITHOUT ANY RELIEF OR TREATMENT.
The reason for this shortage of Opium as MEDICINE, a TRADITIONAL and natural medicine and properly used for CENTURIES for pain relief, is, OF COURSE, that THE OPIUM IS BEING DIVERTED TO FEED THE HABITS OF ADDICTS.

The sandy soil of Afghan mountains is apparently IDEAL for growing the Opium Poppy. Other crops, such as food crops, don't do well there. {Hemp might; but you never know.}
Just think, AFGHANISTAN COULD SUPPLY THE WORLD WITH THE BLESSINGS OF OPIUM AND FREEDOM FROM PAIN. Some philanthropists could SUBSIDIZE the crop, so that POOR PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD, MIGHT GET RELIEF FROM THEIR SUFFERING, FOR FREE.

Of course, Big Pharma wants ONLY its artificial, vastly addictive, harmful, AND EXPENSIVE, medicines used, whether in rich countries or in poor countries.
It is a wonder, how the INTERLOCKING INTERESTS of Big Capital, work TOGETHER -- the CIA wanting to addict the world to crack, so people will be weak and dis-oriented and let Power have its way; Big Pharma only-too-happy to help, politically and financially; the U.S. Army actually TURNING the Afghan people to "terrorism", when they ruthlessly destroy their crops and livelihoods, fire on wedding parties and children, etc. {So that the U.S. has a believable "enemy" to "fight" and "unite our people".}

The "Drug Wars" are an INTEGRAL PART of this ugly picture. We can STOP THAT and start UNRAVELING THE REST. Opium started being used to mass-addict a population, under British rule and influence, in India and China. Both Opium and Cannabis {Marijuana}, can be used as beneficent drugs, put here by the Creator if you want to believe that sort of thing, for a REASON.

Friday January 30, 2009, 2:31 pm
BMutiny ~ I have joined Helpful Hempsters. Thanks for the invite!

And thank you for jumping in this thread with your knowledge, wisdom and activism. We can throw around ideas and thoughts, but we must get in gear and DO SOMETHING to see change. I agree, it won't happen overnight. We have just suffered through possibly the worst president this country as known, as well as the Republican party that has strangled this country to death. With the old guard still in control in many ways, Obama has his hands full with a juggling act no other president has ever been faced with.

If anyone can pull this off and hear our voices, it is Obama. We will have to stomp, yell, persist and persevere in our focused actions to achieve what we want. We got him elected, but that was only the beginning...

Friday January 30, 2009, 3:00 pm
hemp was put on this earth for a good reason...it has multitudes of uses and we are diddling in the sand,wasting time...just think back to the sixties..not a lot has changed..but hope remains eternal as the very old saying goes....cat

Friday January 30, 2009, 4:00 pm
GO BMT, allright, i joined also. I love your spirit, YES WE ARE.....

Friday January 30, 2009, 4:12 pm
I love hemp and hope that it becomes legalized and preferred for all the uses named above. What a wonderful breakthrough that would be, on so many levels. Let the oil industry die, or, if they are smart, get into growing and refining hemp oil instead.

Friday January 30, 2009, 4:18 pm
Noted, wish I could get some for medicinal purpose !!

Friday January 30, 2009, 4:22 pm
"Let the oil industry die, or, if they are smart, get into growing and refining hemp oil instead. "

Amena ~ Great idea which I'm sure they thought of many years ago. However, after fighting hemp and marijuana for so many years, how could they endorse it now? So the fight wages on...

Friday January 30, 2009, 4:34 pm
"Of course, Big Pharma wants ONLY its artificial, vastly addictive, harmful, AND EXPENSIVE, medicines used, whether in rich countries or in poor countries. "

BMutiny ~ Why do I get the feeling Big Pharma is trying to kill us off?

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:08 pm
Did I miss it? Has anyone pointed out that you can't get "high" on hemp - different plant. Hemp does NOT equal 'pot'.
Many, many, people got very,very, rich by using the government to destroy hemp as a crop. We are ALL paying the price now.

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:23 pm
Madeleine ~ Marijuana is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. But, yes, we are talking about two different products, both having productive, positive qualities.

Somebody please correct me if I wrong on this.

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:31 pm
I whole heartedly agree! As a lupus suffer, I found marijuana to be the most beneficial drug out here. I have since stopped smoking and still cannot find anything close to combating my chronic pain and suffering!!!!

Friday January 30, 2009, 5:36 pm
Industrial hemp which is grown for food and fiber here in Canada has only vague traces of THC.

You have to get a license or register to grow it, I suppose so the RCMP don't freak out when they come upon a quarter section of it in the prairie provinces.

Things made with hemp seed are yummy and a company in Vancouver specializes in hemp clothing.

Friday January 30, 2009, 6:19 pm
Thank you Judy, Everyone should BE CLear on that . INDUSTRIAL HEMP DOES NOT GET YOU HIGH, thx for bringing that out.

Friday January 30, 2009, 6:33 pm
i think the general population has no clue that hemp does not mean high....the new world order wants to control all this info...big bucks,big pharma...think now--hmmm-who controls the drug scene-nwo and their lackeys....give me strength....cat

Friday January 30, 2009, 6:44 pm
Marion:
You are not wrong.

Friday January 30, 2009, 7:59 pm
Does anyone know why Prohibition was repealed? It was repealed during the depth of the Depression so that the government could raise MONEY through TAXATION on ALCOHOL... Before this illegal gangs were getting all of the loot and Gosh Darn it, they were not sharing with the US government...

Why not propose this NOW, in the depth of deep financial crisis? How much money can be raised through taxes on LEGAL HEMP AND MARIJUANA? Instead of borrowing money from Communist Russia to bail out corrupt corporations, why not raise money by taxing legalized drugs and Hemp?

Friday January 30, 2009, 8:27 pm
BTW, hemp seeds were a cornerstone of cage bird breeders' conditioning program, especially in Germany for 100 years at least. I started breeding and showing budgies in 1963, learning from 70-80 year old breeders... I often won 'best conditioned bird in show'. One of my secrets was a Brand of conditioning mix from Germany that contained HEMP SEED. Somewhere in there, the government decided that they could not have this, as BAD People were obviously getting this mix in order to grow...Marijuana. SOO ridiculous. Peole tried, it didn't work: they grew industrial hemp and didn't get high. But the seeds were 'sterilized' by radiation (!!!!!) so that they wouldn't grow. We stopped using it....My 93 year old mother is alive and doing quite well after literally having her life saved by cannabis syrop (very tiny amounts) because she had gotten so sick that she gave up and she had zero appetite - skin and bones literally!!! We noticed the difference withing 3 days. When I told her what "miracle" drug saved her, we had a good laugh! She grew up in a tradition going back generations which used plants to cure and alleviate or even prevent disease. Her father kept all but one of his 12 children alive at the beginning of the 20th century when traditional medicine wasn't too useful......)with these 'special recipes'. She has now got all her weight back and I am very pleased with myself for pushing the idea with her doctor, who was completely out of options. Here in Canada, we can now once again use hemp: protein supplement, oil(best source of complete essential oils), seeds, flour, etc., etc. etc.. We also have hemp clothing which is amazingly long lasting. I don't even know how this came about because we have Mini-Cheney/Bush running (so to speak) our country. (in contrast to you, OUR leader locked out parliament when his minority government looked as though it would be brought down because of his ridiculous attitude (tyrant) and budget (ludicrously, blissfully unaware of any world financial problem). But there is still word of members of Parliament who are trying to legalize marijuana (already legal for medical purposes) in order to stop putting people in jail for something way less harmful than drinking alcohol) We all know what prohibition of alcohol led to....

Saturday January 31, 2009, 5:05 am
Thanks again Serge for putting this article up. It allows people to come together to give their input. I appreciate everyone's comments here, you all have great things to say, TY all.

~ Aletta ~ Sweetie, I don't know if you live in the US, but there are a few states where a Docter can prescribe you Medicinal Marijuana for pain. I know because my sister just got her Medicial M. card just a month ago, after suffering years of debilitating back surguries, the pain is unbearable. It does also help chemo patients, people who cannot eat {thanks Madeleine, nice to her your mum is well}. I believe states are Tenn., Mass., Rhode Island, California, and a few more...

So, yes we are talking about two different types of usages for this plant. Industrial use, and Medicinal use, both are beneficial, that is the point.

Most plants were put here on this Earth for a purpose, to heal & relieve pain. Think of it, chamomile leaves {good to relax} Aloe Vera plant {good for many purposes, mainly to heal}, Opium {for pain} Coca leaves {also for pain, in pure form}, my goodness, we should want to all go back to Nature and live off of the Earth, look at the money we would save, that's why the Govt. is taking so long to pass the "legalize" bill.

I will keep writing my Reps, Congresspeople, Senators, anyone that will listen to the argument of why it would be good to legalize both. I truly believe in my heart that we are getting there with the govt. If they could just push the politics and money aside, educate themselves with Hemp and Medicinal M. then perhaps they will reconsider. If many people believe in it, then they should do the same thing, let your Reps know how important it is to have Hemp for industrial usage & Medicinal M. for pain.

I know a few sites if anyone needs hemp oil and that sort, it is legal to purchase, and it is good for you.

Much love, peace & harmony to all...
FreeSpiritRunning...

Saturday January 31, 2009, 1:24 pm
Sadly, Tennessee is not a medical Marijuana state.
It will probably be the 50th state to legalise!

I'd like to echo BMutiny, and, as the group owner,
invite everyone to join The Medical Marijuana Experience.
I do my best to keep posting new information and "take action"'s
there, and I'd like to think the group is educational,
if nothing else.

Saturday January 31, 2009, 1:46 pm
Thirteen U.S. States now have Legalized Medical Marijuana, including my State of Washington. It was one heck of a fight to raise public consciousness, and it took a series of MANY elections, before that happened!

However, the Feds are STILL HARASSING people who need Medical Marijuana, and their caregivers. The Feds DO NOT RECOGNIZE the State Laws! According to FEDERAL Law, all Cannabis {Marijuana} is still illegal everywhere.

President Obama made a campaign promise to STOP THIS HARASSMENT by the Federal Government. Just after his election, however, the DEA I think deliberately snubbed him by carrying out its usual raids on harmless Medical Marijuana users. We must hold President Obama to his promises.

A woman who needed Medical Marijuana {in a State where it is still illegal} and was looking around for a source, found the most amazing people who were using it -- Law Enforcement Officers, Judges, respected Middle Class members of the community; that she had never suspected! Since ALL the Presidential candidates for quite a number of elections have actually USED Marijuana, and obviously found it did NOT affect them badly for life -- those in government who oppose its legalization -- like those {closeted} Gay Congresspersons who oppose Gay Rights -- are TOTAL HYPOCRITES. You can be sure that NEARLY ALL OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR STAFF MEMBERS, have used Cannabis, whether as medicine, or recreationally.
They are either AFRAID to speak out; or are MAKING MONEY OFF OF POT PROHIBITION, in one way or another. {Like McCain making his money off of alcoholic beverages.}
In either case, they are TOTAL HYPOCRITES in denying us the same privileges they take for themselves. {When did a RICH AND POWERFUL person go to JAIL for drug use? They have IMMUNITY we don't have! They can indulge all they want with no worries!}
Sometimes I think they don't have to be "educated", so much, as EXPOSED. They need to be "educated", that WE ARE ONTO THEIR HYPOCRISY.

Yes, but keep writing your govt officials anyway! They will learn not to FEAR "Public Opinion" and the Far-Right Churches so much........

Saturday January 31, 2009, 4:23 pm
Wow, sorry Tim, got my information wrong darlin...

BMutiny my friend, thank you so much for all of your efforts, education & passion for this subject, I am already a member of your group, thanks. I will post whenever I find out anything of value to the group. I have a few things I want to post that might be of importance to others.

Namaste'
FreeSpiritRunning...

BTW...

Sunday February 1, 2009, 4:38 am
With this truth, I will also give to you another truth.
This plant with its companion, the Tobacco plant, if smoked but only in pure leaf.
Will, give much calming of the mind and body.
Taken first thing in the morning,and always before contemplation, when any subject needs to be addressed.
It will allow you to reach your higher thoughts.

If a pipe is smoked, it will bring so much enjoyment, with the leaf dried under a burning sweet smelling herb, that grows locally in the ground.
The Farmers and growers of the Tobacco plant, have there own particular tobacco herb, and so the smells and taste vary, from place to place.
The aromatic smells of the Tobacco is a delight, for anyone to smell, when it is smoked correctly.
A lady's head will soon turn when he passes in the street smoking the right smell especially if its to here liking, and we are talking about good perfumes like chamomile or vanilla, not the rubbish they force on you today.
Yes I remember all the good ways. Created perfectly by our Farther.
The smoke and tare contained in the leaf will bring cleansing to the body,
of harmful bacteria build up on the lungs by too much phlegm that accumulates over night when at rest.
Also the aroma of Tar Oil for a child's croup is eased if taken up wind of a tarmacking team,when repairing the road, or burn a little in a Wrights Coal Tare Vaporizer while they sleep. Yes! they still sell them.

You can remove any unwanted dust particles that have been taken into the lungs.With a little smoke.
We get lots of this dust with breathing in the dead skin that rubs of you whilst turning over and over in your sleep all night.
The dust is in the air in the wind blowing around the world part of our troubles, To much exposed soil, not enough grass.
These are the true laws of well being, and some of the reasons for your sickness is trying to alter what is nateral.
I want you to remember the following.
You will not need much of it, just enough for your taste, for it will taste disgusting, this is why its three puffs, and pass to another elder.
When any true wisdom has to be disgust, the pipe of peace is always smoked at any gathering of clans for discussions they then site and smoke this concoction so that a higher mind can be obtained.
This smoke gives the human mind a quiet stait of existence, so that good ideas may come into the mind from the ancient wisdom.

When it was decided to prevent you all from having a smoke in your pubs and clubs and even on your Bus stops the powers that be did not know that there actions would bring in so much problems with the masses of public houses now closing through lack of trade.
Soon all will close for they took away your freedom of choice. This must also be brought back. A room for smoking and a lift of this bane. Fairness for all who smoke and certainly deserve a hospital bed should they need one with smoking too much . Remember all the taxes they are paying for the privilege of smoking these lethal cigarettes that are killing off the people.
All that is needed is to stop washing the leaves with toxin, stop making them burn so fast. and Put the taste and flavors back.
Thank you Father for my lessons on the Herbs. Janet.

Sunday February 1, 2009, 8:41 am
Hemp will save the world.
http://www.votehemp.org

Sunday February 1, 2009, 11:11 am
BMutiny ~ I agree, we must hold Obama to his promise to uphold states' rights.

Janet ~ Thank you so much for this valuable information. The far-reaching implications of what the Tobacco Industry and big business has done to our plants, environment and quality of life is abominable. We think of the setbacks humanity suffered during the Dark Ages. But I think when we look back on the last 200 years we will find these were Dark Ages too.

Your post has given me lots to think about.