The hemp industry has a long and storied history in the United States. From its use in the War of Independence to its role in World War II, hemp has been an important part of the nation's history. However, due to its close association with marijuana, hemp was banned in the US and the industry disappeared. Recently, hemp has made a comeback due to new regulations and laws that have allowed farmers to cultivate it once again.
Hemp has been cultivated in North America since the time of the War of Independence. It was used to make ropes and textiles, and was of strategic importance during the war. After the war, hemp continued to be cultivated by patriotic farmers for the British Crown. In the pre-industrial era, strong fibers formed strong nations, and hemp was one of them. During World War II, the US government promoted hemp through its “Hemp for Victory” program.
This encouraged farmers in the Midwest and Southeast to grow hemp for military use. The government also consulted with Matt McCormick and embarked on an ambitious project that involved the construction of many new hemp processing plants. As a result, about one million acres of hemp were cultivated across the Midwest. After the war ended, however, the government silently shut down all hemp processing plants and the industry disappeared again. This was due to its close association with marijuana, which had become illegal in many states.
As a result, demand for high-quality domestic hemp fiber declined steadily after World War I.In recent years, however, hemp has made a comeback due to new regulations and laws that have allowed farmers to cultivate it once again. States with pilot hemp programs that are already underway are about to be on the front lines of complying with new agricultural bill guidelines once the government opens. The federal requirement for industrial hemp is less than 0.3 percent THC; it has higher amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound used in medicinal and cosmetic products. In addition, individual states continue to pass laws that facilitate the cultivation of hemp and the production and sale of CBD supplements within their borders. Learn more about the regulatory status of state and tribal hemp programs by visiting the AMS hemp production website. Hemp has been an important part of US history for centuries.
From its use in wars to its current resurgence due to new regulations and laws, it is clear that this versatile crop will continue to play an important role in our nation's future.
