Hemp

[Zephik]

I was reading a book just now and came across an interesting bit of information. Just thought it was pretty cool and worth sharing. (the book is a PDF btw, which is how I was able to take a screen shot. lol)

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/7655/book.png

[simon275]

I have a hemp shirt it is really nice.

[Zephik]

What's it feel like? Is it as soft as cotton?

[Oneslowz28]

I am just throwing in a warning. Any talk of or hinting towards hemps illegal uses will get this thread deleted and the offending user an infraction. Keep it clean.

[billygoat333]

lol technically hemp cultivation and use for non-recreational industrial use is actually illegal as well. stupid, but illegal.

[BerticusPryme]

Hemp also can be use in the construction of concrete and if your land is barren you cna plant hemp on it and after 2 growing cycles it will be fruitfull enough you can grow regular crop on it for 5 more growing cycles

[Airbozo]

Interesting facts:

Washington (yes the president) used to be a Hemp Farmer.

You used to be able to pay a portion of your taxes with Hemp.

There is a book detailing the history of Hemp called: "The Emperor Wears No Clothes". Interesting read for those curious about why the plant (in all its forms) is now illegal.

[Luke122]

I've read "The Emporer Wears No Clothes".. amazing stuff.

[Airbozo]

Interesting facts:

Washington (yes the president) used to be a Hemp Farmer.

You used to be able to pay a portion of your taxes with Hemp.

There is a book detailing the history of Hemp called: "The Emperor Wears No Clothes". Interesting read for those curious about why the plant (in all its forms) is now illegal.


I've read "The Emporer Wears No Clothes".. amazing stuff.

Online version here (not sure what is missing besides the pictures and references):
http://www.jackherer.com/chapters.html

[billygoat333]

+rep for the link! I've been meaning to read this book for years now, and now I have no excuse! lol

[SXRguyinMA]

:whistler:

[xRyokenx]

I am just throwing in a warning. Any talk of or hinting towards hemps illegal uses will get this thread deleted and the offending user an infraction. Keep it clean.

No offense but I don't get why the whole thread would be deleted... why not just the offending post(s)?

[nevermind1534]

Hemp cultivation was encouraged during (and I think before) WWII.



No offense but I don't get why the whole thread would be deleted... why not just the offending post(s)?

Probably because it would mess up the thread; once it gets de-railed, it's hard to get back on track, and could happen again.

[Zephik]

Yea I've heard about Washington and Hemp. Apparently he was a pretty big supporter of it. I'm not sure about the bull**** "illegal" uses of it, but as far as the plant itself goes most definitely. Hell, that first screen shot I took pretty much explains why anyone would be so supportive of it. Its awesome.

Aside from Washington, I believe Jefferson also grew hemp and I think Ben Franklin owned a Hemp Paper Mill. Its pretty funny that we went from so supportive of it to how it is now.

Its really too bad we don't make better use of it though. I think people are too paranoid an misinformed about its "illegal" uses for it to ever become mainstream and widely accepted. Its a damn shame really, its so incredibly useful. You can even grow it without the THC can't you?

What happened in the 50's that made our government prohibit hemp?

Another interesting factoid: There are over 25,000 products that can be made from Hemp. That's crazy! I can't believe we don't use something so crazily useful!

Also, check this out, just found this while browsing digg.com.

http://digg.com/general_sciences/Carbon_Negative_Hemp_Walls_are_7x_Stronger_than_Co ncrete

[BerticusPryme]

If I remember correctly it was banned further back because it was actually used to make oil for the automotive industry and alo to the people on capitol hill were offered very lucrative amount sof money to say it was bad from the cryde oil industry. Namely the ROckafellers. I may be wrong but if memory serves correct that is why.

[OvRiDe]

I think I remember hearing that it was around the 1930's. I have heard comment that it was cutting into the nylon market. I am not sure if that is true or not.

[simon275]

Hemp feels just as soft as cotton to me. Interestingly in Australia all manner of narcotics are grown for industrial uses. Opium Poppies are grown in Tasmania for the pharmaceutical industry. Also hemp is grown as well.

[Kayin]

Another thing made illegal by money buying legislation.

[x88x]

It really is an amazingly useful plant, and one of the fastest growing in the world too (25 tonnes per hectare per year according to Wikipedia). IIRC, that really thin paper in old Bibles and stuff is made of hemp. And the worst part is that it wasn't even banned because of the ...uses we're not talking about... :whistler: but because of (iirc) a combination the paper, oil, and textiles industry. The Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp) is a really interesting read, for anyone interested. It was actually a very widely used plant in the revolutionary era.

[Zephik]

Hurray corruption!

[crenn]

Corruption in my country? :P
Impossible!

[Trace]

I think it was similar to the alcohol issue. A bunch of mom's got pissed off and started a group against it IIRC

[xRyokenx]

Did they happen to be soccer moms from the suburbs? Oh god, that would be a great horror movie... "They Came From the Suburbs!"

[progbuddy]

It's a plant. They grow. If pine trees had more uses and grew faster, I'm pretty sure the government would push on the taxes, or maybe ban it altogether.

It's terrible that things like this happen.

I think the prohibitionists pushed it onto them.

[xRyokenx]

Same thing probably happened as with alcohol way back in the day but the ban never lifted. I was talking with someone about the illegality of it and he said that the whole ban was to make money off of, by fining the sh*t out of people found with it and whatnot.

I say we ban tobacco too, it causes cancer and smells like total crap, for the most part.

[x88x]

I say we ban tobacco too, it causes cancer and smells like total crap, for the most part.

++
If we're gonna ban one highly addictive mind altering plant, might as well ban them all. :P
...crap...that would mean we'd have to ban the coffee and cacao plants too... Noo!! They can't take my caffeine! I won't let them! ...I'm not an addict...of course not...I can quit any time...just one more cup... :whistler:

[xRyokenx]

Well, I think coffee is different, as well as cacao. Caffiene doesn't cause lots of crap as far as I know.

[billygoat333]

lol neither does THC really. :P

its addicting, and to some that's enough.

I believe in free choice, which our government is based upon. I think we should be able to do whatever we want, within reason. I think our government is waaay more intrusive than the founding fathers ever intended. and we let them do whatever they want. :)

[Datech]

http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/24/hemcrete-carbon-negative-hemp-walls-7x-stronger-than-concrete/

That is the website I stumbled upon the other day talking about Hemp Concrete. Has anyone found any other companies trying to legally manufacture beneficial hemp products?

[Kayin]

Because of the government funding in so many industries, legal uses of hemp are almost nonexistent.

Tis sad, hemp is one of the most versatile fibers we have. So versatile, it could bankrupt sectors of manufacturing.

[Mark_Hardware]

Caffeine is an incredibly powerful and addictive drug. It is soooo underrated.
Go for a day with no caffeine at all and tell me how you feel. ;)

[msmrx57]

Because of the government funding in so many industries, legal uses of hemp are almost nonexistent.

Tis sad, hemp is one of the most versatile fibers we have. So versatile, it could bankrupt sectors of manufacturing.

Or create new ones and make existing industries more economical and efficient.

[Zephik]

I think if Hemp would have caught on, the cotton and paper industry would have seen a huge loss in profits. Such a shame that this country was founded on such good intentions but because of the greed of people we lose out on things that we never should have, like Hemp.

C'mon people! We could have had Frosted Hemp Flakes that came in a box MADE from Hemp! WHICH YOU COULD EAT TOO. ...well maybe not. But frosted hemp flakes sounds delicious. haha we even could have had tony the tiger with dreadlocks and a beanie....

[Kayin]

Theyyyyyyyyyyyyyy're... far out... man....

[Airbozo]

Caffeine is an incredibly powerful and addictive drug. It is soooo underrated.
Go for a day with no caffeine at all and tell me how you feel. ;)

Well, since you asked, I have gone a day (or more) without caffeine and don't remember any odd effects. That is probably because I am only a one cup of coffee per day drinker and rarely have soda's.

Funny story:

While we were in Kauai last month, we visited the Kauai Coffee Company for the tour (not much of a tour but the coffee was good). I was sitting there waiting for the SO to get out of the bathroom and this large family come in (must have been 2 families). They had about 8 kids with them from preschool to middle school age. Right away the kids head for the coffee tasting urns (3 different tables, with 6 hot pots each) One table was decaf (why bother) one medium roast and one dark roast. They start filling up their cups (moms and dads are not around) and drinking them down. An older man walks up (later find out it is the uncle), and instructs them on the proper way to drink coffee. With lots of sugar and cream! He also tells them to stay away from the decaf table because it "tastes funny".

These kids must have drunk down at least a dozen small cups of coffee each with cream and sugar. Halfway through the tour, we hear them coming up behind us and the kids are starting to really freak out (think cornholio here).

I smiled at the older guy and motioned towards the kids. He shrugs and says to me that he's the uncle and staying in a different hotel. I almost busted a gut laughing so hard.

My mom wouldn't even let me drink coffee until I turned 14... Now it is the most abused drug out there, but hey, it's legal.

[Zephik]

I never drink coffee. I see all my friends who drink it and they're all dependent on it, but I'm not. I feel great when I wake up, just drink some water and eat healthy, it does wonders for the body and its much better than becoming dependent on a substance. Other great way to wake up fast is to get your heart pumping. I usually try to take a shower as fast as possible, saves money and wakes me up quick.

My brothers father in law is up to like 5 cups of coffee a day. Blech! That can't be healthy. Better than smoking a cigg I guess. ...of course, just about everything and anything is.

I do really like those cold milky ones at coffee shops though. Can't for the life of me remember what they're called?

[Airbozo]

I never drink coffee. I see all my friends who drink it and they're all dependent on it, but I'm not. I feel great when I wake up, just drink some water and eat healthy, it does wonders for the body and its much better than becoming dependent on a substance. Other great way to wake up fast is to get your heart pumping. I usually try to take a shower as fast as possible, saves money and wakes me up quick.

My brothers father in law is up to like 5 cups of coffee a day. Blech! That can't be healthy. Better than smoking a cigg I guess. ...of course, just about everything and anything is.

I do really like those cold milky ones at coffee shops though. Can't for the life of me remember what they're called?

Yeah, I only started drinking coffee when I started dating the current missus. Needed something to get me going after a long night of... Well. you know :whistler:

I now only have a cup in the morning, but not until after I get to work. More of a social thing since those of us that show up at 7, meet in the lobby for coffee and yuks at 7:15.

BTW: It is called "Iced Coffee". Someone will come in and call it some fancy Starbucks word though...

[msmrx57]

Funny story:

While we were in Kauai last month, we visited the Kauai Coffee Company for the tour (not much of a tour but the coffee was good). I was sitting there waiting for the SO to get out of the bathroom and this large family come in (must have been 2 families). They had about 8 kids with them from preschool to middle school age. Right away the kids head for the coffee tasting urns (3 different tables, with 6 hot pots each) One table was decaf (why bother) one medium roast and one dark roast. They start filling up their cups (moms and dads are not around) and drinking them down. An older man walks up (later find out it is the uncle), and instructs them on the proper way to drink coffee. With lots of sugar and cream! He also tells them to stay away from the decaf table because it "tastes funny".

These kids must have drunk down at least a dozen small cups of coffee each with cream and sugar. Halfway through the tour, we hear them coming up behind us and the kids are starting to really freak out (think cornholio here).

I smiled at the older guy and motioned towards the kids. He shrugs and says to me that he's the uncle and staying in a different hotel. I almost busted a gut laughing so hard.

Almost spit my coffee out reading this.

[simon275]

If this hasn't been posted already the hemp page on wikipedia is very interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

It seems that it makes a very good fabric


haracteristics of hemp fiber are its superior strength and durability, resistance to ultraviolet light and mold, comfort and good absorbency (8%)

Also hempcrete is awesome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hempcrete)


It is easier to work than traditional lime mixes and acts as an insulator and moisture regulator. It lacks the brittleness of cement and consequently does not need expansion joints. It is less dense than concrete and is marketed under names like Hemcrete, Canobiote, Canosmose, and Isochanvre.[2] Hempcrete foundation walls are up to seven times stronger than those made of concrete, half as light and three times as elastic as well as Carbon negative [3]. This superior strength and flexibility means that hemp foundations are resistant to stress-induced cracking and breaking, even in earthquake-prone areas. The building material also is self-insulating; resistant to rotting, rodents and insects; and fire proof, waterproof and weather resistant.[4]

[Zephik]

I think its becoming more and more obvious why Hemp is illegal. It would put a lot of industries either out of business or it would seriously cripple them if given the chance.

[simon275]

Correct me if I am wrong Hemp that is grown for industrial uses has low THC and can't be smoked.

[Zephik]

Correct me if I am wrong Hemp that is grown for industrial uses has low THC and can't be smoked.

Yep, it's so low that it would be pretty much impossible to smoke enough to get a high. Industrial has under 1% whereas recreational has... well its all over the board. Its like 10% to 30% I think.

The illegality of hemp definitely has nothing to with THC, although I have a feeling that some people use that excuse anyways either though blatant lies or ignorance.

[luciusad2004]

This thread makes me sad. In a way I feel that this is representative of society of a whole. Always holding back progress and evolution to protect special interests. We should be able to use this stuff for all the good it can do. I was also unaware that industrial hemp was unsmokable which I think helps me look at it in a more positive light.

[billygoat333]

Yep, it's so low that it would be pretty much impossible to smoke enough to get a high. Industrial has under 1% whereas recreational has... well its all over the board. Its like 10% to 30% I think.

The illegality of hemp definitely has nothing to with THC, although I have a feeling that some people use that excuse anyways either though blatant lies or ignorance.


one of the main lobbyists for the prohibition of hemp and marijuana in the 1930s was the paper and logging industries. lol

[Zephik]

one of the main lobbyists for the prohibition of hemp and marijuana in the 1930s was the paper and logging industries. lol

Its too bad that they didn't adapt instead of fight it. Special interests indeed. I hope people will fight for their rights to hemp someday.

[xRyokenx]

I think we should ban grass. I mean, it fits the necessary requirements: being everywhere, people being addicted to (taking care of) it. And there's all this paraphernalia for it too! Even more chemicals to "treat" it! Lawn mowers! Lawn edgers! Fertilizers! Oh no!

[Mark_Hardware]

I think we should ban grass. I mean, it fits the necessary requirements: being everywhere, people being addicted to (taking care of) it. And there's all this paraphernalia for it too! Even more chemicals to "treat" it! Lawn mowers! Lawn edgers! Fertilizers! Oh no!

It's already banned. That's what we've been talking abou- oopsie wrong grass nvm :D

[xRyokenx]

lol, nice. I don't keep up with slang so yeah.

Man, Texans, Nebraskans, and other people obsessed with lawns (yard kind, genius!) would have absolutely nothing to do if lawn grass were banned. Talk about prime comic material. :D

[progbuddy]

lol, nice. I don't keep up with slang so yeah.

Man, Texans, Nebraskans, and other people obsessed with lawns (yard kind, genius!) would have absolutely nothing to do if lawn grass were banned. Talk about prime comic material. :D

If it was legal, they should have grown hemp in their yard. Makes amazing rope.

[Omega]

Man, Texans, Nebraskans, and other people obsessed with lawns (yard kind, genius!) would have absolutely nothing to do if lawn grass were banned. Talk about prime comic material. :D

ever heard of a rock garden?

=p