Hemp 2007
In 2006, hemp was Canada's most profitable crop, increasing nearly 87 percent. In America, pro-hemp laws have been passed in a dozen states, five in North Dakota alone. North Dakota was extremely close to its first growing season, but the DEA delayed the applications too late to begin the season. However, under new ND law, farmers no longer need permission from the DEA to grow industrial hemp, which now is distinguished from "Marijuana". (Source Vote Hemp)
In the last decade, hemp has been widely promoted as a crop for the future. This is stimulated by new technologies which make hemp suitable for industrial paper manufacturing, use as a renewable energy source (biofuel), and the use of hemp derivatives as replacements for petrochemical products.
Hemp showed great promise as an industrial and agricultural crop until 1937, when the Marijuana Tax Act and succeeding laws to bar the use of cannabis, made hemp production and possession illegal. In the past decade Americans have been pushing hemp legislation in order to reschedule hemp as an industrial crop rather than a narcotic. The small size of the industry keeps prices high, but increased production could match or exceed production of competing industrial crops. Industrial hemp may be very viable, though this is dependent on the political climate.
Hemp Plastic is a new technology based on 20-100% hemp fiber-based plastics that can be molded or injection molded. The use of fiber-reinforced composites and other natural plastics are expected to become more popular as oil prices rise and the world becomes more environmentally aware.
The increased demand for health food has stimulated the trade of shelled hemp seed, hemp protein powder and hemp oil as well as finished and ready-to-eat food products (waffles, granola bars, ice cream and milk for example) using these derivatives as ingredients. The use of hemp oil in the manufacture of body care products has also increased.
Mary Kane has written an article that highlights the numerous products generated from hemp. A link to Mary's article and a small gallery of hemp product are found below: