Helpful Hemps
Brett Hicks
English Composition 121
Dr. Sharon Hanscom
December 16, 2008
Abstract
This paper provides a broad view on the uses of hemp. The research conducted will prove the accuracy and detail of the uses of hemp as an alternate source to many products today. The revolutionizing concept of hemp could replace current fuel sources as well as plastic sources and other materials currently being made. As a career choice I would have to say I want to dedicate my life’s work to ensuring a safer, cleaner, and more productive society and world for generations to come by influencing the world to change its views on hemp.
I think now is a good time to let people know that I am a marijuana user. Marijuana was a big factor in my life. Contrary to popular assumptions, marijuana helped me keep on track. The effects of marijuana kept me from going out with my ‘friends’ who normally got arrested. My point is that marijuana is not as bad as people think, but this paper is not about marijuana, it is about industrial hemp. Hemp is not the same as marijuana. Marijuana is a mind altering drug, hemp is not. Marijuana refers to a strain of the Cannabis genus that contains a large amount of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana. Hemp on the other is the exact opposite. Hemp is also a strain of the Cannabis genus; it contains more of a slightly different ingredient. This ingredient has been discovered as Cannabidiol, or CBD, and has been grouped as an antipsychoactive ingredient. While the two ingredients are found in every ‘pot’ plant, the amounts very dramatically in each plant. Thus being said, why is hemp illegal if it is not a weapon or a drug? Not only does it contain little to no THC it also has incredible uses.
The hemp plant can be separated into three items: hemp fibers, hemp pulp and the seed itself, which contains hemp oil. The fiber can be used to make plastics, paper, rope and other useful...