The Emperor Wears No Clothes

1. Hemp: A Historical Cornerstone of Civilization

From more than 1,000 years before the time of Christ until 1883 A.D., cannabis hemp - indeed, marijuana - was our planet's largest agricultural crop and most important industry.

Ancient Origins. Cannabis hemp has been integral to human civilization for millennia, serving as a primary resource for various essential products. Archaeological evidence suggests that hemp was one of the earliest cultivated crops, with woven hemp fabrics dating back to 8000-7000 B.C. From ancient China to the Roman Empire, hemp played a crucial role in agriculture, industry, and even religious practices.

American Heritage. Hemp was not only known but mandated in early America. In 1619, Jamestown Colony required farmers to grow Indian hempseed, and similar laws followed in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hemp was legal tender in the Americas from 1631 to the early 1800s, and farmers could even be jailed for not growing it during shortages.

Global Importance. Hemp's significance extended beyond America, with great wars fought to ensure its availability. The War of 1812 and Napoleon's invasion of Russia were partly driven by the need to secure access to Russian cannabis hemp. Hemp's historical importance underscores its value as a renewable natural resource and its potential to address contemporary challenges.

2. Versatile Applications: Hemp's Myriad Uses

If all fossil fuels and their derivatives, as well as trees for paper and construction were banned in order to save the planet, reverse the Greenhouse Effect and stop deforestation... Then there is only one known annual renewable natural resource that is capable of providing the overall majority of the world's paper and textiles.

Nautical Dominance. Hemp was the primary material for ships' sails, rigging, and ropes for centuries. Ninety percent of all ships' sails were made from hemp, and the word "canvas" itself is derived from the Greek word "Kannabis." An average ship carried 50 to 100 tons of hemp rigging, highlighting its importance to maritime activities.

Textiles and Fabrics. Until the 19th century, hemp was the primary fiber for clothing, linens, and other textiles. Hemp is softer, more water-absorbent, and three times stronger than cotton. Even the American flag, "Old Glory," was made from cannabis fibers.

Paper and Cordage. From the Gutenberg Bible to the Declaration of Independence, hemp fiber was used to make paper for centuries. Hemp paper lasts 50 to 100 times longer than papyrus and is cheaper to produce. Additionally, 70-90% of all rope, twine, and cordage were made from hemp until 1937, showcasing its durability and strength.

3. The Billion-Dollar Crop That Never Was

American farmers are promised new cash crop with an annual value of several hundred million dollars, all because a machine has been invented which solves a problem more than 6,000 years old.

Technological Breakthroughs. The invention of the decorticator, a machine that could efficiently separate hemp fiber from the pulp, promised to revolutionize American agriculture. In February 1938, Popular Mechanics magazine declared hemp the "New Billion-Dollar Crop," forecasting a bright future for American hemp production.

Economic Potential. Experts today estimate that fully restored hemp industries could generate $500 billion to a trillion dollars per year. This includes not only fiber and paper but also biomass energy, building materials, and other innovative applications. The newly mechanized cannabis hemp industry was poised to become America's largest agricultural crop.

Suppression and Lost Opportunities. The glowing predictions of the 1930s were never realized due to the outlawing of hemp under the pretext of marijuana. Had hemp not been suppressed, the U.S. could have avoided deforestation, reduced pollution, and established a sustainable economy based on renewable resources.

4. The Conspiracy: Suppressing Hemp for Profit

DuPont was anticipating "radical changes" from "the revenue raising power of government... converted into an instrument for forcing acceptance of sudden new ideas of industrial and social reorganization."

The Players. Key figures in the suppression of hemp included William Randolph Hearst, whose timber holdings were threatened by hemp paper, and DuPont, which had patented new processes for making plastics and paper from oil and coal. Andrew Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury, played a crucial role by appointing Harry J. Anslinger to head the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

The Motive. The primary motive behind hemp prohibition was to protect the financial interests of powerful industrialists. Hemp's potential to replace wood pulp paper and petrochemical-based products threatened the lucrative schemes of Hearst, DuPont, and Mellon.

The Tax Act. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, drafted in secret, imposed prohibitive taxes on hemp production, effectively outlawing the crop. This act was passed despite opposition from the American Medical Association and the National Oil Seed Institute, who recognized hemp's medical and industrial potential.

5. Marijuana Prohibition: A Tool of Control

Should we believe self-serving, ever-growing drug enforcement/drug treatment bureaucrats, whose pay and advancement depends on finding more and more people to arrest and 'treat'?

Anslinger's Campaign. Harry J. Anslinger, head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, used sensationalized and racist newspaper articles to demonize marijuana. He falsely claimed that marijuana caused violence and later, that it made users peaceful and pacifistic, serving as a tool for communist subversion.

Racial Prejudice. The campaign against marijuana was fueled by blatant bigotry, targeting Mexican-Americans and African-Americans. Hearst's newspapers portrayed "Negroes" and Mexicans as frenzied beasts under the influence of marijuana, perpetuating racist stereotypes and justifying discriminatory laws.

Economic and Social Impact. The prohibition of marijuana has led to the incarceration of hundreds of thousands of Americans, disproportionately affecting minority communities. This has resulted in millions of wasted years in jails and prisons, reinforcing racial hatred and benefiting poisonous, polluting industries.

6. Medical Cannabis: A Suppressed Remedy

Marijuana is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.

Historical Use. For over 3,500 years, cannabis has been used as medicine in various cultures. From 1842 to 1900, it was a primary medicine in America, treating over 100 separate illnesses. Cannabis was known for its therapeutic potential, with no reported deaths from overdose.

Modern Research. In 1964, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam isolated THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, leading to renewed interest in its medical applications. Research showed therapeutic value in treating asthma, glaucoma, nausea, tumors, epilepsy, and other conditions.

Suppression of Research. Despite promising results, the U.S. government banned federal research into cannabis's therapeutic effects in 1976. Pharmaceutical companies were allowed to finance and judge research, focusing on synthetic versions of THC to secure patents and profits, suppressing the use of natural cannabis.

7. Hempseed: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Hempseed is the most complete single food source for human nutrition.

Complete Protein. Hempseeds contain all the essential amino acids necessary for human health, making them a complete protein source. Sixty-five percent of hempseed protein is in the form of globulin edestin, which is easily digestible and supports the immune system.

Essential Fatty Acids. Hempseed oil contains the highest amount of essential fatty acids in the plant kingdom, including linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA). These essential oils are crucial for immune responses, cardiovascular health, and overall vitality.

Versatile Food Source. Hempseed can be used in porridge, soups, and baked goods, providing a nutritious and versatile food source. It can also be pressed for its oil, used as birdseed, or made into hemp milk and ice cream, showcasing its potential as a staple food.

8. Economics, Energy, and Environment: Hemp's Potential

When markets have been developed for the products now being wasted, seed and hurds, hemp will prove, both for the farmer and the public, the most profitable and desirable crop that can be grown, and one that can make American mills independent of importations.

Biomass Energy. Hemp can be converted into methane, methanol, or gasoline at a fraction of the cost of fossil fuels. Its use as biomass energy would end acid rain, reduce smog, and reverse the Greenhouse Effect. Henry Ford recognized hemp's potential as a biomass energy source in the early 1900s.

Economic Stability. Hemp industries could generate billions of dollars annually, revitalizing American agriculture and creating new jobs. Hemp products, such as long-lasting textiles and biodegradable plastics, could replace synthetic fibers and reduce reliance on petrochemicals.

Environmental Benefits. Hemp cultivation requires no chemicals and has few weed or insect enemies, making it an environmentally friendly crop. It also helps rebuild the soil, clean the atmosphere, and reduce deforestation, contributing to a sustainable ecology and economy.

9. Myth, Magic, and Medicine: Hemp's Cultural Significance

God makes the Earth yield healing herbs, which the prudent man should not neglect.

Ancient Traditions. Cannabis has been incorporated into various cultures and religions for thousands of years. From Shintoism in Japan to Hinduism in India, cannabis has been used in rituals, ceremonies, and as a link to the divine.

Religious Use. Many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and early Christianity, have incorporated cannabis into their practices. Some believe that the "sacred green herb of the field" mentioned in the Bible refers to cannabis.

Modern Perspectives. Contemporary religious sects, such as the Rastafarians, use cannabis as a sacred sacrament to communicate with God. The discovery of THC receptor sites in the human brain suggests an ancient symbiosis between humans and cannabis, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance.

Last updated: April 10, 2025