Sep 13, 2005 22:31
Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.
The original drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper
One acre of hemp will produce as much paper as four acres of trees
Hemp is a source of fiber for cloth and cordage for rope. The hemp fiber is located inside the long stem of the plant
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp. Washington, our first president, declared, "Make the most of the hemp seed. Sow it everywhere."
Hemp seeds nature's perfect food. The oil from hemp seeds has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids and the lowest percentage of saturated fats.
Sterilized hemp seed is commonly sold as bird seed.
In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Stamp Act prohibited the use, sale and cultivation of hemp/marijuana in the United States.
Five years later, during World War II, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the film, "Hemp For Victory," which encouraged American farmers to grow hemp for the war effort.
Hemp is cultivated all over the world in such countries as: China, Korea, Italy, Hungary, Russia and France.
In 1988, the DEA's own administrative law judge concluded that "marijuana is one of the safest, therapeutically active substances known to man."
Cannabis can be used as a medicine to treat nausea, pain and muscle spasms. It alleviates symptoms of glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, migraines and other debilitating ailments.
Twelve states have passed legislation permitting medical use of marijuana.
More than 400,000 Americans are arrested each year on marijuana charges.
More than 400,000 Americans die from diseases related to cigarette smoking each year. More than 150,000 Americans die of alcohol abuse each year. But in 10,000 years of usage, no one has ever died from marijuana.
Death Statistics
Causes of Death Per Year
Tobacco 340,000-395,000
Alcohol(excluding crime/accidents) 125,000+
Drug Overdose(prescription) 24,000-27,000
Drug Overdose(illegal) 3,800-5,200
Marijuana 0