How New Brunswick Can Vault Into the 21st Century and Become Self Sufficient in the Process
New Brunswick can become a model for the 21st century, create a vast array of jobs in many sectors, and retain westward fleeing job-seekers by fully embracing hemp farming. Not only could hemp production keep workers in the province, it could also attract new industry and immigrants into the province.
Hemp is truly one of nature’s gifts to mankind, but no member of the plant kingdom has ever been so willfully and stubbornly misunderstood. It is generally assumed that hemp became collateral damage in the United States’ so-called “war on drugs.” There is compelling evidence however, that hemp was actually the primary target of the whole “Reefer Madness” hysteria. A number of major U.S. corporations, lumber and pulp barons, and chemical companies stood to lose lucrative market shares because the hemp plant is so useful and versatile. Hemp provides the raw material for bio-fuel, paper, and plastic alternatives, among its many uses. Untold damage has been inflicted on the planet, and lives ruined, by this display of ruthless corporate greed. It is time to understand what we have lost, and will continue to lose, if we don’t realize the infinite benefits of hemp production.
Since the mid 1930’s, about half the world’s forests have been cut to make paper. If hemp had not been outlawed, most forests would likely still be standing, providing oxygen for the planet. Hemp plants provide four times the paper fibre per acre per year than trees do, and can be re-planted yearly. Hemp is naturally resistant to insects and weeds and thrives in New Brunswick. Nearly half of the agricultural chemicals used by the U.S. are applied to cotton crops. As people continue to become more ecologically aware and responsible, the demand for all types of organic products will increase. Hemp fibre is a naturally organic alternative to cotton. It is much more durable, wears longer, and is resistant to salt—which is why it has been traditionally used to make ropes and sails for ships for thousands of years. In fact, the word “canvas” comes from an Arabic word for hemp.
Henry Ford experimented with utilizing hemp as a bio- fuel source, and as an ingredient in a composite material for automobile bodies. In 1941 the Ford Motor Company rolled out an experimental car that was made from hemp. Ford demonstrated this vehicle’s durability by beating on the fender with an axe. It bounced off and did not leave even a scratch. Imagine the benefits of a rust-proof, bio-degradable car that runs on hemp bio-fuel….and where the planet would be today if this had become a reality 70 years ago! Also imagine that petro-chemical companies and many other major U.S. corporations still have a stake in preserving the status quo while they fill their coffers with money spent on over-priced gas, oil, chemicals, fertilizer and consumer goods that are petroleum based. The United States is the only industrialized nation that still prohibits the growing of hemp.
In 1937 Popular Science magazine listed over 25,000 potential uses for the hemp plant, and modern technology has increased this number. The market for organic food and personal care products has exploded. In addition to its many industrial uses, hemp also provides one of nature’s most perfect foods in its seed. It contains the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 in the proper 3:1 ratio for human health, and provides superior anti-oxidant qualities. Hemp nuts are also one of the world’s richest sources of protein, second only to the soybean, and they taste great. Chefs all over the world are using hemp butter, nuts and oil in their kitchens.
Right now, in many New Brunswick grocery stores, you can buy hemp foods and goods that were produced in other Canadian provinces. The Manitoba Harvest Company is a co-operative that is co-owned by over 20 farming families. In Ontario, the Cool Hemp Company is producing ice cream and cookies made from hemp seed– desserts that are both good and good for you! When you add up all of the environmental benefits, jobs, products and industry that would be created by hemp production you have only a win/win situation for the province of New Brunswick.
There is a lingering reluctance to embrace hemp farming because of the current U.S. laws and attitude. But people should control their institutions rather than continue to be dominated by these human creations.
Stephanie Kelley
