One of the many tangential effects caused by cannabis prohibition was the decline of our nation's industrial hemp industry. There was a time when hemp was grown significantly throughout the United States, used for making everything from clothing to rope to paper. Its history goes back far beyond that, having been found in the clothing of the ancient Mesopotamians dating back to 8,000 BC.
But as the War on Drugs ramped up throughout the 20th century, industrial hemp because an innocent victim of sorts. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 made all cannabis plants, regardless of strain, cultivation techniques or intended uses, illegal. That made hemp illegal to grow, even if the plant has negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It didn't prevent the import of industrial hemp, however, and the U.S. brings in about $600 million of the versatile fiber, primarily from China and Canada, according to the Congressional Research Service.
This is changing in Washington state, however, after a bill — co-sponsored by far-right Spokane Valley Republican Rep. Matt Shea — was signed into law last month. The law took industrial hemp off the state's list of controlled substances, opening the door for industrial hemp cultivation in our state. Washington joins seven other states that allow some form of commercial industrial hemp programs. Many other states have authorized research into industrial hemp.
As farmers prepare for the first large-scale cultivation of industrial hemp in Washington in close to a century, a group is gathering in Moses Lake on May 24 to discuss how the return of the crop might play out. The Washington Hemp Industries Association, along with other industry groups, is holding a one-day summit at the Best Western in Moses Lake, featuring industry advocates, farming experts and representatives from the state's Department of Agriculture.
The aim of the event is to provide guidance to those looking to enter the fledgling industry. The day includes a hemp planting demonstration, as well as lectures on topics such as scientific research, history and a rundown of the legal issues surrounding industrial hemp. Organizers also hope to dispel myths and misinformation about hemp.
To register for the event, visit letsfarmhemp.com. ♦
