There was a time when I associated hemp with narcotics and the obvious scene that follows. It was a time when I thought I knew it all and my belief systems were set in stone. The contrary to this fact came about a year ago when I picked up a book by Jack Herrer called “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”, this book depicted the ancient art of using hemp for construction, clothing and even food. I asked a question that many people often ask when given the facts about Industrial Hemp’s nutritional value and versatility, why aren’t we using it today? But then after we ask why, we then get a counter answer and we all go quiet. The association with hemp and the narcotic forms of hemp, create a smoke screen for what the hemp plant truly is, what it can accomplish and what it has accomplished for many thousands of years beforehand. So where does that leave us?

Firstly what is hemp? Industrial hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the same species, Cannabis Sativa L. Marijuana typically contains 3 to 15 percent of the psychoactive ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry-weight basis, while industrial hemp contains less than 1 percent. However, the two varieties are indistinguishable by appearance. Since 1990, varieties containing less than 0.3 percent THC have been legalized in Great Britain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Canada and Australia legalized hemp production in 1998. In other countries, such as China, Russia, and Hungary, hemp production was never outlawed.

So why limit production of any forms of hemp? Mis-information; recently “Channel 7” did a segment on the legalization of hemp foods in Australia, with Kochie’s Angels. You can easily tell they were mis-informed about their topic of choice due to the fact that they all agreed that you would have some sort of narcotic reaction from eating hemp products. WARNING: HEMP SEEDS DO NOT CONTAIN THC. Industrial hemp is not a narcotic, nor can it ever be used as a narcotic.

The hemp movement in Australia is accelerating exponentially with the help from the IHA (Industrial Hemp Association) and WEFTS. With continued involvement we can educate and inform individuals about this sustainable crop for the future.

Your signature regarding the FSANZ submission on Change.org is very much appreciated….please forward the petition link to EVERYONE IN YOUR NETWORK to spread the word further…this is important, to friends, family and acquaintances!To those you know in other affiliated organisations such as Permaculture, Vegetarian, and Vegan groups, to Health Groups and to Health Food networks….use your imagination!
Every signature counts. http://www.change.org/actions/message_participants?event_id=131749

Ryan O’Hara-Reid

http://www.wefts.org.au/index.php

http://www.hempgallery.com.au

http://www.ihansw.org.au

If you want to see the Sunrise clip its here:

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/27521476/kochies-angels-december-8/