What is happening to hemp legalization?
In 2000 report by USDA expressed that there was hardly any difference in the physical appearance of hemp and marijuana. This is the main reason why hemp was not legalized to grow in the US. Because there was an argument that anyone could grow marijuana between the rows of hemp plant and no one would be able to know it. Could it be the case? Maybe or, maybe not.
However, hemp looks very similar to marijuana but it completely differs in chemical composition. It's because hemp has lower level of THC than marijuana hence, it doesn't provide a 'feel-high' sensation to users. Both of these plants are anyway regarded as schedule 1 substance and are illegal to grow in different parts of the world.
Hemp is one of the versatile plant that can make many products including textile, medicines, foods, animal bedding and thousands of other materials from it. So, why isn't it legal to grow? The only reason is that it also belong to Cannabis family and physical appearance that is completely similar to marijuana. The main discussion and argument is that since it is difficult for a grug enforcement agency to distinguish one from the other, and people could grow and mix marijuana along with hemp and no one would recognize.
Now, hemp legalization is being striking in many parts of the world and becoming mainstream, even moving into the luxury and wellness markets. It was discovered that the legalization of hemp is less paradox about removing the stigma of Cannabis in the mind of the people but more about it's economic benefits within the market. It was also found that legalization of hemp will provide farmers a major opportunity with new and friendly crop, detoxifying the soil and preventing soil erosion. Hence, hemp is the best friend of farmers. But, farmers are facing problems in growing hemp due to federal prohibition- including restricted access to banking, water rights and crop insurance.
Many researchers believe hemp is much more environmentally friendly than other traditional crops and it can even replace cash crops like tobacco. With the growing selling and legalization of hemp, greater access to CBD could mean more substantial trials and definitive research into its proposed health benefits. And it will definitely be a boon to the CBD industry.
So, let's hope becomes legal. Because it is miraculous plant with multiple benefits and multiple uses. However, it is regarded as schedule 1 substance currently and is illegal to grow, which should not be the case. What do you think?
Resource:
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ministry of hemp : https://ministryofhemp.com/blog/2018-farm-bill/
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Vox: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/12/13/18139678/cbd-industry-hemp-legalization-farm-bill
- CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/24/newly-legalized-hemp-industry-set-to-create-a-jobs-boom-in-the-us.html