Hundreds of events across the countrywere organized to raise awareness of hemp’s benefits, highlight sustainable hemp products and businesses, and catalyze pressure on Congress to pass the act, introduced in April by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and co-sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Both senators see the elimination of hemp from the controlled substances list as a way to revitalize agriculture in their states.
Hemp History Week’s theme is “Deep Roots,” and avideo about The Rodale Institute’s research on organic hemp cultivationconveys its versatility as a crop supporting the regenerative organic farming models that rely on deep taproot crops to prevent soil erosion and convey nutrients and minerals between crop rotations.
“Farmers and entrepreneurs are so eager to begin producing hemp at full commercial scale, to finally be able to supply with U.S. grown hemp the largest market for hemp in the world – that of the U.S,’’ said Colleen Keahey Lanier, executive director of the HIA, in a statement.
HIA cites among the benefits of the Hemp Farming Act:
- Improved cooperation with regulatory bodies such as the USDA and FDA
- Protected interstate commerce of U.S.-grown and manufactured hemp products
- Normalized crop insurance, financing, and other business proceedings for hemp companies
- Advanced research opportunities by providing access to federal research grants
- Ensured access to public water rights for hemp farmers
- Protection of various legal hemp products per a "Whole Plant" definition.
See the full list of events at HempHistoryWeek.com
Watch the video
