Cannabis has been one of the most controversial plants and topics since it was made illegal after the Mexican Revolution of 1910. When Mexican immigrants poured into the United States, they introduced the recreational use of marijuana to Americans. Marijuana became associated with the immigrants, and Anti-drug campaigners saw it as an opportunity to place the blame of terrible crimes on the Spanish-speaking newcomers. The fear and prejudice against the “foreign invaders” and their crimes became associated with marijuana and its use. During the Great Depression, lack of employment caused a rapid increase in crime rates. The public began to resent and fear Mexican immigrants, which heightened governmental concern about the problem of marijuana. This provoked a massive influx of research which linked the use of marijuana with violence, crime, and other incriminating behaviors. This was found to be committed primarily by “racially inferior” or underclass communities. 29 states had officially outlawed Cannabis by 1931 regardless of the benefits of the cannabis plant.
The Biomass of Cannabis can be a huge benefit in improving the condition of our planet. Biomass is the amount of plant material converted into fuels, usually by the process of Gasification. By way of the thermochemical process, Pyrolysis, organic material is converted to fuel. Hemp, a part of the cannabis plant, is an incredible resource to use for fuel. In fact, Henry Ford designed his first Model T to run off of Methanol Petrol made from Hemp Seeds. Currently, fossil fuels are the primary source for all of our energies. It needs to be taken into consideration just how harmful this process is. Burning of fossil fuels releases toxic chemicals such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Not only are these chemicals detrimental to the Earth’s habitats and our health, they’re also non-renewable. Hemp is a much better alternative as it doesn’t have the harmful side effects that fossil fuels and radioactive energy sources have. The FDCA came up with a Biomass Equation which showed Cannabis Biomass to be the most efficient, and potentially the cheapest, reliable way to produce energy. If we start utilizing more of the benefits of the Cannabis Plant for more than it’s medicinal and recreational purposes, we could greatly reverse the damage done to our precious ecosystem.
The amazing quality of hemp doesn’t just stop at fuel. Paper and other consumer textiles are other ways hemp comes out as the dominant component for industrial creation. The Cannabis plant has the ability to grow virtually anywhere and at incredible speeds. It takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months to harvest a Cannabis plant compared to the 30 or more years it takes to harvest a tree. Hemp yields 4 times more paper than 1 acre of trees. In fact, over 70% of the paper used for books, maps, and newspapers came from hemp, until about 1883. Hemp paper is extremely durable, as well, and can outlive even the strongest types of paper, such as wood pulp paper or papyrus paper. Other consumer textiles that come from hemp range from ropes and nets, all the way to varnishes and plastics.
On top of the Biomass of Cannabis and the many textiles creations from hemp, the Cannabis plant is also a great source of nutrients. Actually, it was the staple food crop for many centuries. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oils are great for the human body. Hemp seeds were found to have the highest amount of essential fatty acids like Omegas 3 and 6, and Gamma-Linolenic in perfect proportions. Hemp seeds only have small amounts of saturated and mono-unsaturated fats making them easily converted to energy. Skin problems? Hemp seeds have been proven to greatly reduce, if not eliminate completely, skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Individuals suffering from chronic health conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardio vascular disease, diabetes, intestinal problems, obesity, or prostate problems should consider eating hemp seeds daily. 55 grams is the recommended daily intake.
As you can see, the Cannabis plant has so many benefits, that by legalizing the growth and regulation of Cannabis, we could completely reverse the economy and the financial burden it has created for consumers. Including lost tax revenues and cheaper, more durable, consumer products. Voting yes for the legalization of Marijuana is voting yes for America.