Let's change how we use hemp!

 

The world we live in is in trouble, without the changes necessary to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce greenhouse gases, I believe we will not survive another one hundred years. We look for ways to improve what we have come to know and make the advancements necessary to work towards a greener future. Industrial hemp is not a new product, but a misunderstood one, and with the help of the government we can change this misconception. We can take this chance in our history to take from the example of other countries and see the potential this plant could offer to our economy. We need to make changes, we need cleaner solutions, and we need the ability to study and research ways to not only improve our way of life, but the way we live it. I believe that if the understanding of the benefits, potential, and possible profit of this plant the opinion could be changed. By expanding our use of industrial hemp in Michigan we can find hemp to be even more profitable than it is currently. With this Michigan could not only benefit from the economically rewarding plant, but this could contribute to our country as well.

What if you could add a product to our economy that could be very financially rewarding? Currently in Michigan hemp is predominantly grown for CBD production, leaving it to follow strict and expensive guidelines for testing to ensure it stays below the allowed percentage. Our world is changing, and with the changes we need cleaner alternatives to products that we use today. Why continue to import a product that we can grow ourselves, especially if we make it easier for the average farmer to add into their crop rotation? With that I want to speak to you about this product, its benefits, and what this plant can do for farmers. With your help, we can make this happen and save our not only Michigan farms, but potentially farmers across the country.

Industrial hemp is a plant that can make a difference in many ways, as well as significantly boost our economy in the process. Aside from the thousands of products that can be made from the plant, the financial gain to our farmer could help save some of our beloved family farms. Our economy needs something that will help bring our states back to where they need to be financially, along with the people within them. Other countries have recognized this and have profited off this trillion-dollar crop, and we spend millions importing it into the states. I want to take the time to go over just a few beneficial uses of hemp, and express why I believe we need to work to utilize it more than we do currently  

I believe that hemp can be very beneficial to our farmers, because not only is this plant more financially rewarding, it also is very beneficial when added in crop rotations. Some studies suggest that by adding a rotation of hemp to your crops it can not only improve soil health, but also reduce pests in the field. The biomass is greater in a hemp field, therefor we are not only benefiting our fields, but we are also getting more out of them. The common misconception is the THC levels in hemp, which is less than 0-.3% which would not be enough to create psychoactive effects. With that, I feel that the positives of this plant outweigh the negatives, and this plant really should be given a second look as a crop for farmers. With a variety of edible hemp products such as flowers and milk the nutritional value of the plant is amazing, and we could see an expansion in current and potential new markets as well.

Before hemp was banned, this product produced durable dependable textiles for thousands of years. Hemp not only produces more per yield than cotton, it also requires less water, pesticides, and is more durable over time. While Michigan may not be a cotton state, the ability to produce a plant that will contribute to the textile industry would bring a new product that would contribute to the economy and goods produced in our state. Hemp fibers can make a variety of different textiles that makes it an extremely beneficial durable product. Hemp textiles is only a fraction of what this plant has to offer but could be very economically beneficial. We use hemp textiles in the U.S but majority is still imported, we spend more importing than what we would spend to produce.

The common home has a variety of possible risks, the one I would like to point out is mold. From drywall to insulation, if any of these pieces in our home become wet, it becomes molded. The worst part is when we can’t see the hidden dangers in our walls. An increase in health-related issues due to mold and poor air circulation in homes has been a concern, and some builders have been using new methods for a cleaner option. Hemp can be used to make a product that is fireproof, breathable, durable, retains thermal mass, and mold resistant. In recent years we have seen many homes being built from hempcrete, and the health benefits from living in the eco-friendly structures are amazing. Currently we are importing majority of hemp used in hempcrete from the U.K making it a very expensive product. By producing more of these plants in our states, we reduce the cost of importing, as well as give people a possibly safer option to standard drywall and insulation at a more affordable price. Many people have been turning to the option of hempcrete, but as I stated the price from importing can make it a very costly build.

Hemp burns cleaner than traditional gas, as well as does not contribute to acid rain. With more biomass than corn, hemp could be our next solution to fuel while also being a cleaner option. If we legalize the growth and production of hemp, we could further research on the possibilities of what this plant could offer in the fuel industry and be a safer alternative to what we currently use today. Henry Ford made a car that ran off hemp fuel, and with our technology today I believe that we can not only improve this method, but possibly master it. As we understand that we need a safer alternative to fossil fuels and while more research would be needed, this I believe could be a large leap into the right direction.

Hemp has a large variety of useable dependable alternatives to products that we use today, and the benefits are extremely high. These products we use in the states but importing makes the cost of any of these products much higher. Car manufactures have been using hemp in car production, we can make paper, and biodegradable plastics. More research and advancements would need to be performed, but we can take note from other countries that have already been benefiting from what this plant has to offer. Looking for ways to help our economy has always been a concern but expanding the use of this product to our states could open new jobs, and businesses. Other states have worked towards legalizing industrial hemp, and there are manufactures that have the equipment to prosses the plant. While Michigan has allowed the legalization of medicinal marijuana, and more recently hemp I feel we should expand how we use and view this plants potential. Our farmers could benefit from the production and growth of this crop, and for some farmers this might be the boost they need to keep their farms.

I want to thank you for your time, and hope that the information that I have provided you with today can help you see the benefits of hemp. This plant could benefit our economy, and be a cleaner, healthier alternative to the products we currently use today. Without the help of government officials and educating others about the benefits and uses of this plant it will be hard to move forward. But we need change. With your help, I believe that we could work to change how this plant is viewed and work on ways to advance the uses of it. I hope you have enjoyed what I have shared with you today and follow for more Canna Girl Perspective!