The global conspiracy against hemp

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

More and more often in the information environment, you can hear negative reviews about cannabis. Some call it "the herb of the devil", some consider it a drug, others equate it with heroin. But a drug is a substance, and a plant as a whole cannot be. The hatred of hemp in the modern world overshadows all its beneficial qualities and properties. But why?

I always suspected that something was getting dark with hemp. She is demonized too persistently for all its harmlessness, which sometimes looks like a brainwashing. In fact, the Cannabis sativa plant (by the way, it translates as "useful hemp") is one of the most amazing, moreover, it can give us everything we need to survive on this planet. It can be used to produce food, paper, textiles, plastic … And when the Earth runs out of oil, hemp will become the most important plant. But this is still far from it.

Hemp versus cotton

The most basic "vocation" of hemp is its unlimited textile possibilities. Hemp fiber is distinguished by its strength, resistance to decay during prolonged exposure to water, and therefore has long served as the best material for ropes, ropes, fishing tackle, sacks, tarpaulins, canvas and canvas. The very English word canvas (canvas, canvas) comes from the Dutch word "hemp". Of course, the above products are not essential items now, but the wonderful properties of hemp can be applied in the modern world. Hemp fiber is 10 times stronger than cotton and can be used in all types of clothing. Moreover, fabric made from hemp is much healthier for the skin than cotton soaked in chemicals.

It should be noted here that now very many materials can be called natural only with a stretch. For example, sheep are no longer sheared by hand, as they used to be, but sprayed with special chemicals, thereby causing wool to fall out. They also began to collect cotton with the help of chemistry: twenty-five pesticide showers - and the leaves fall off by themselves. And growing cotton requires a huge amount of pesticides (50% in the US is sprayed on cotton!). Replacing cotton with hemp will drastically reduce its use - hemp has few insect enemies.

Plus, cotton grows only in warm climates and requires a huge amount of water. Hemp does not require much moisture, and it grows, in general, anywhere, not to mention the fact that it is three to four times more productive than cotton.

Likewise, hemp harvested on one hectare can yield four times more paper than trees harvested in the same area. It uses less corrosive and toxic chemicals than wood. Hemp paper does not require chlorine bleaching (a by-product of this process produces dioxin, one of the most poisonous substances that sweat into rivers and seas). They say dollars are still made from hemp paper. But only the Americans do not admit this - they are famous bigots.

Wonder car

Hemp seeds and stems can be used to produce coal, methanol (wood alcohol), methane and gasoline, which, when burned, will not release sulfur, which causes acid rain, and chemicals that pollute the air.

The resulting coal can be burned in power plants instead of the usual one, methanol is a good car fuel, now it is used for racing cars. Hemp can also be used to make ethanol (regular alcohol) to be added to gasoline, just as it is now made from sawdust (hydrolyzed alcohol). Another way to get fuel is to use seed oil. Some diesel engines can run on pure hemp oil.

One of the many uses for hemp is in materials of construction. The plant can be used to make pressed boards or cellulose-based plastics from its pulp. Bioplastics are not new. Back in 1930, Henry Ford made a body for a car out of them, which, by the way, ran on hemp fuel.

Healing food

Hemp is mentioned in almost all famous medical books of the past centuries. It is usually listed among the universal remedies for many diseases. The list of diseases for which the use of "weed" is effective includes (according to modern data): multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, depression, epilepsy, migraine, asthma, severe pain, dystonia, sleep disorders and many less serious diseases.

In addition, cannabis can be an ideal food source for humans. The seeds of this plant contain the same amount of protein as soybeans and are easy to digest. In addition, they contain all the amino and fatty acids that a person needs.

Due to the moisturizing properties of hemp oil, it can be used for shampoos and cosmetics. And this is not all that we can take from this wonderful plant.

Another quality that makes cannabis especially attractive is its growth rate. In 110 days, the plant reaches a height of 2-3 meters, which allows you to get several harvests in one season.

The advantages of cannabis include the fact that this plant very quickly converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide three to four times faster than deciduous trees.

But why, then, such an irreplaceable plant now has fame only as a narcotic?

Synthetics won

American media mogul William Hirst bought paper for his newspapers from DuPont, the owner of the DuPont Camels corporation, which extracted wood pulp. Hemp paper was superior to Dupont paper in all respects, and its production presented serious competition. So Hirst launched a black PR campaign: formally - against marijuana, but in fact - against hemp competitors. Her main thesis was that the use of cannabis is the main drug problem and that marijuana caused extreme manifestations of violence in people (at the same time, blacks were squeezed!). Businessmen succeeded in passing the Marijuana Tax Act in the US Congress. This law even banned the medical use of marijuana, and he forced hemp growers to pay such exorbitant taxes that they closed their now unprofitable businesses. It was not limited to paper made of trees. During the same period, DuPont patented the manufacture of plastics from oil and coal, and since then, plastics, cellophane, celluloid, methanol and nylon have been produced from petroleum products. Needless to say, hemp simply had to be destroyed as a class, which, in general, was successful.

Later, on March 30, 1961, in New York, most of the UN member states signed the "Single Convention on Narcotic Substances", which, in particular, prescribed the strictest control over the cultivation of dangerous drug-containing plants: opium poppy, coca and cannabis. By the way, interestingly, cannabis, being a universal remedy, was included in the list of "drugs with no medical use", in contrast to opiates, which are still widely used in medicine.

Endowed Russia

This is how they blackened the innocent plant. It would seem that the United States achieved its goal with its sanctimonious morality, racism and willingness to buy and sell everything. But what does Russia have to do with it, Rus' deserted (deserted - fabric made of hemp!)?

In Russia, hemp used to be practically the same as now oil … The enterprising Peter I seriously took up the hemp business. He introduced a state monopoly on the export of hemp and personally checked the quality. After all, it was supplied abroad: to England, Holland and other maritime powers - the rigging of their fleet consisted of 90% of Russian hemp fiber. Even during Peter's lifetime, Russia became the world's leading exporter of hemp, and in the middle of the 18th century, exports amounted to 37,000 tons per year!

The USSR became a worthy successor to Russia - the Union was again ahead of the rest of the planet. In 1936, hemp sowing here occupied 680 thousand hectares - 4/5 of the entire world hemp area.

It must be said that smoking "grass" - despite its ubiquitous growth - was by no means a Russian tradition (unlike, for example, Central Asia, where it is part of the culture). Some forty years ago, or less, the hemp fields were endless, and the phrase "hemp harvester" did not cause silly giggles.

But in 1961, the USSR also signed the UN convention. And since the 60s. cannabis cultivation areas began to decline dramatically. In addition, crops suffered from irresponsible citizens who wanted to smoke, especially southern hemp, which were badly broken and very difficult to harvest. The plantations had to be guarded by police squads and vigilantes.

Hemp is back

So all the talk that cannabis is supposedly a harmful drug is a fiction of evil capitalists. Hemp was banned because it posed a serious threat to the woodworking industry and the newly discovered synthetic fibers, which were patented and therefore more profitable than hemp. And later there was no reason to legalize it - cheap oil took over the world …

As for the narcotic properties of cannabis, only its Indian subspecies, cannabis indica, have the full extent of them. And this is not a drug, but a mild hallucinogen, to be honest. By the way, the Soviet Union spared no expense in breeding cannabis-free cannabis, and achieved great success in this. Only it is unprofitable to talk about it loudly.

But still, lately, when the inviolability of the world, built on oil, is still shaken, there is a hope that hemp will have a second birth. Although very slowly, hemp is regaining its place of honor. The demand for all kinds of hemp products has increased the acreage in Europe, and the number of shops selling clothes and other hemp products is growing rapidly. Some countries have legalized cannabis as a medicine. We, as always, are lagging behind, but we can assume that in the not very distant future we will catch up with the rest of the world.

Hemp fabric and clothes made from it have always been popular with our ancestors. For 8 millennia BC. e., according to the testimony of archaeologists, people already sported in hemp robes, and the well-known company LEVI'S at the very beginning of the last century tried to introduce mass production of hemp models. True, she gave up soon - the fabric required complex processing, special technologies, equipment and considerable funds.

Hemp fiber is used in the manufacture of bodies, car trim panels and thermal insulation mats. Hemp oil is used for the production of medicines and cosmetics. Increasing attention is being paid to hemp as a source of cellulose for the paper industry. In total, according to foreign literature, up to 25 thousand types of products can be made from technical and narcotic hemp. Or you can do nothing from it at all, just plant it on contaminated soil, and hemp will suck out heavy metals from there, and neither zinc nor lead will interfere with the growth of hemp. In Germany, where land withdrawn from agricultural production occupies up to 15% of the total land fund, farmers receive subsidies from the state for the cultivation of cannabis there, of course, drug-free. This is a great way to reclaim a garbage can.

Cannabis cultivation does not require the use of any chemicals, in particular pesticides. No fertilization is required as this crop grows well in almost any climate. Hemp produces a huge amount of plant matter in just 3 months of the growing season. According to experts, 1 hectare of hemp can replace 4 hectares of forest!

What can we use cannabis for?

First, hemp can be used to make textiles and clothing. Moreover, fabrics from this raw material are quite durable and wear much longer. For your information, the first Levi's jeans, as mentioned above, were made from hemp fiber. The fabric obtained from hemp was used in sailing, as it is the only fabric made from natural raw materials that does not deteriorate in contact with sea water.

The second is the production of paper. The first paper in China was made from hemp. And now we waste wood, polluting the natural environment with chemicals. Although the production of paper from hemp would be much cheaper and without environmental pollution by pulp and paper mills.

The third is fuel production. The pulp of hemp stalks can be processed into wood alcohol, methane, ethanol and gasoline! Some diesel engines can run on pure hemp oil. And all this is environmentally friendly fuel!

Fourth - the production of fiberboards, which are stronger and more elastic than wood boards. It is possible to make cellulose-based plastic from hemp pulp.

Fifth, cannabis can be used for food. Hemp seeds are a very valuable nutritious product containing vegetable fats and proteins. By the way, the seeds do not contain a narcotic substance. From the seeds, many peoples cooked porridge that tastes like oatmeal. One handful of hemp seeds provides an adult's daily protein and fat requirement. Soy is the only nutrient competitor. However, the quality of the protein in hemp seeds is significantly higher. Since ancient times, this culture has saved many peoples during periods of famine. It is a shame that underdeveloped countries do not take advantage of the nutritional benefits of cannabis.

Sixth - making vegetable oil. Hemp oil can be used in food in the same way as sunflower, olive, rapeseed, and other vegetable oils. And, as you know, drying oil, bases for varnishes and paints are made from vegetable oil.

And finally, the seventh. Hemp contains over 60 chemicals that can be used in medicine. In many ancient medical books of the past centuries, hemp is referred to as a medicinal plant. I will not mention diseases and prescriptions here in order to avoid self-medication on the part of the readers. In conclusion, I would like to wish you not to take narcotic drugs, but to change your attitude towards the amazing plant I have described.

Hemp material is soft and strong, durable, and with constant use, the amazing properties of hemp fabric are even enhanced. The durability of the material is supported by the special structure of hemp fibers: resistance to external influences, the fabric does not deform or deteriorate when washed at a temperature of 90 degrees, does not lose its shape during wear.

With constant use, hemp tissue becomes more active and retains the ability to neutralize toxins, prevents the development of pathogenic microbes, does not create conditions that impede metabolic processes in the skin. Hygiene is ensured by the properties of a natural membrane: natural fabric does not create a "greenhouse" effect on the surface of the body under clothing, which allows the skin to breathe freely. Hemp fabric eliminates overheating of the body in hot weather and hypothermia in the cold season.

Hemp fabric (like linen) maintains the normal heat exchange of the human body: in winter it is not cold in it, and in summer it is not hot. Ultraviolet radiation, which is so destructive for our skin, is retained by hemp tissue almost completely (by 95%), while other tissues - only by 30-50%. The fabric obtained from hemp has a high degree of stability and, when processed, retains the useful and valuable properties of a natural material. It remains biologically active, gently interacts with the skin, and is able to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the external environment - salts of heavy metals, an unfavorable combination of temperature and humidity, the negative effect of excessive ultraviolet radiation. Its hypoallergenicity is achieved due to the absence of toxic chemicals in plant raw materials used to control weeds, pests and diseases of cultivated plants. Where hemp grows, trees and shrubs are not contaminated with infections and insect pests are not found.

Therapeutic and prophylactic qualities of hemp tissue

Hypoallergenicity is achieved due to the absence of toxic chemicals in plant raw materials used to control weeds, pests and diseases of cultivated plants. Where hemp grows, trees and shrubs are not contaminated with infections and insect pests are not found.

Hygiene is ensured by the properties of a natural membrane: natural fabric does not create a "greenhouse" effect on the surface of the body under clothing, which allows the skin to breathe freely. Hemp fabric eliminates overheating of the body in hot weather and hypothermia in the cold season.

Protection is the result of the barrier properties of hemp as a medicinal plant. The fabric protects the skin from the harmful effects of the external environment (salts of heavy metals, an unfavorable combination of temperature and humidity, the damaging effect of excessive ultraviolet radiation).

Additional benefits of clothing include the refreshing and softening effect of living tissue, which has a beneficial effect on body function during the day, the absence of irritation on the skin and an overall tonic effect. With constant wear, the fabric used to make this garment becomes more active and retains the ability to carry the beneficial properties of hemp. Clothes are never electrified.

Consumer qualities

The durability of the material is supported by the special structure of the hemp fibers from which the fabric is made: the material is resistant to external influences, does not deform or deteriorate during washing. Clothing models do not lose their shape while wearing, they only become softer and more comfortable.

Practicality is due to the functional advantages of the fabric, which, moreover, does not require special care.

Comfort is created by the convenience and naturalness of movement. The fabric evenly distributes the sensations of the body without creating stark contrasts, which becomes a condition of comfort for any individual.

Technological process

Hemp stems are made up of two parts, fiber and pulp. Hemp fiber (bast) can be used to make fabric for almost any type of clothing. Hemp fabrics are very durable.

This is how hemp is harvested for fiber: A field in which the bushes grow very close to each other is not touched until the leaves fall off. Then the hemp is mowed and left to lie in the field, where it was washed by the rain. During this time, it is turned over once in order to expose the sun from all sides. The fiber softens and minerals and nitrogen are returned to the soil. This is called “retting,” and after this step, the stems are collected by a machine that separates the fibers from the pulp. We should be happy with these machines: in the past it was done by hand, requiring many hours of hard work.

Hemp clothing is, first of all, a fabric that has the properties of a medicinal plant. The advantage of a fabric made from hemp textile varieties is a combination of several important qualities that create a “business card” of clothing. As a natural raw material for the production of comfortable and hygienic clothing, technical varieties of hemp are used, which, on the one hand, have the properties of a medicinal plant, and, on the other, do not contain narcotic and other substances harmful to health.

Hemp auto

The Ford concern intends to create a car, some parts of the body of which will be made of hemp. According to The Sunday Times, such a machine will be developed by Ford in conjunction with the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Development and Hemcore, which grows hemp. To support this project, the UK government has already allocated more than £ 500,000 (about a million dollars).

According to the technology for the production of parts from hemp, the fibers of this plant are mixed with polypropylene, and then this mixture is cast into body parts. According to the British publication, such parts are very light, strong, tough and completely recyclable. In addition, production does not require large energy costs, and the cost of raw materials is quite low.

It is assumed that more than one hundred kilograms of plastic, metal and resins, which are used in the production of the "average" car, can be replaced with "hemp" materials.

For our ancestors, hemp did not cause unreasonable fears, on the contrary, it was considered an extremely valuable plant …

See also: Hemp porridge - food of our ancestors