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“There is not one photo of a plane hitting the Pentagon despite the fact the building is under constant surveillance 24-hours a day.”
(CBS/AP)
A few days before President Obama’s administration publicly told government officials to stop wasting taxpayer funds prosecuting medical marijuana patients in states where the herb is legal, a Montana farmer named Laura Murphy was issued the state’s first official license for the growing of industrial hemp– 160 acres somewhere in Madison county.
She has been given permission to grow the controversial plant from the state government, along with a stern warning that failure to miraculously get permission from the DEA may easily result in a federal prosecution. There are absolutely no guarantees that the federal government will choose not to waste taxpayer funds on this case and others like it, although the tightening of budgets and increasing public scrutiny of government policies make it far less likely that the feds can continue fighting this long-since lost battle against the world’s most useful (and profitable) industrial crop.
It seems as though our financial troubles have done what no amount of activism or education could accomplish: the war on weed is finally over, meaning (among other things) that the age of industrial hemp has now begun. And it appears that Montana, along with its neighbor North Dakota will be leading the way forward.
While scientific trials and individual testimonials continue to prove that the cannabis plant has a huge potential in a wide range of medical treatments, scientists and entrepreneurs throughout the world continue to show that industrial hemp, which has been cultivated for over ten thousand of years, has the potential to help us build a much healthier and sustainable world. The legendary fiber was once found in the original Levi’s jeans, and was even used by Henry Ford to build an automobile which was lighter than fiberglass and stronger than steel back in the 1930s.
Ford’s plans to “grow our transportation” were put on hold for more than seventy years, but now represent our nation’s best hope for developing a sustainable energy plan and reinventing the American manufacturing industries. We have a technically superior and environmentally responsible raw material for all sorts of plastics, paper, building materials and perhaps even fuel–once we build an infrastructure to support it. And here is where the technical advances of indoor farming come into play.
“There are no problems, only solutions.”
As medical marijuana becomes more widely accepted and larger numbers of people gain the right to smoke without fear of prosecution, the demand for indoor growing supplies continues to rise–creating a huge catalyst for the continued development of advanced grow lights, techniques and associated technologies. While the most immediate impact has been felt by established growers, such as the Mexican cartels who are now competing with “mom-and-pop” operations across the country; the long-term effects of these technological and cultural advances may someday soon have a large impact on the way most people live, what they eat, and perhaps even how we view this commodity known as time.
Dr. Dickson Despommier is currently a Professor at Columbia University, and is widely known as an advocate for the implementation of vertical farms. Although many experts from a wide variety of fields agree that this approach represents a good way forward, the central crux remains in that these structures will require a massive upfront investment–at least until manufacturing and construction practices can be sufficiently streamlined, just like with any other revolutionary advance in technological gadgetry and human imagination. But in this particular case, we happen to have a particularly large catalyst in the form of a certain, now pseudo-legal plant.
Actually they are technically two different plants which happen to share the same genus and species; if they happen to cross-pollinate, it can easily leave both crops virtually worthless. This either means that industrial hemp crops will be in jeopardy wherever the other cannabis plant is being grown, or it means that the growing of recreational and medicinal cannabis will be confined to greenhouses and indoor (perhaps vertical) farms.
In the latter scenario, it seems reasonable that the budding new industry known as “medical marijuana” will have no problem shouldering some of the costs of another developing sustainable industry. Not only will this help to ensure that medical users get the highest quality and most ecologically responsible product possible, it establishes a blueprint for changing our entire culture. As it once again becomes affordable and feasible to grow our own food no matter where we live (perhaps through co-ops or other ventures), it also becomes significantly easier to balance the budget and live a healthier life. All of this is possible thanks to a policy which has been failing miserably for over seventy-five years, but which is thankfully no match for the ugly and undeniable truth which it has spawned.
So it always seems with the natural order of things, nothing is ever truly in vein.
Below is just one example of a vertical farm design found at www.verticalfarm.com. Click here to see this and dozens of different designs, many of which are now being seriously considered for construction throughout the world.
By MATTHEW BROWN
The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 2, 2009; 9:48 AM
BILLINGS, Mont. — Ranchers in Montana has asked a state agency to stop giving away water use rights for tens of thousands of new homes being built in areas once dominated by agriculture.
Across the arid West, residential subdivisions and agricultural interests are vying for control of water supplies that have emerged as one of the region’s most coveted natural resources.
In the latest skirmish between the two groups, five Montana ranch owners filed a petition Tuesday with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, charging the state’s water rules were stacked against them.
The rules allow the small wells used by each house within larger subdivisions to qualify for exemptions from state water laws. Those laws otherwise give precedence to the “senior” rights of farms and ranches…
Click here to read the full article at the WashingtonPost.com.
On November 9th, CBS News published an article entitled ‘Should Pot Be Legal?‘ Far from being just another editorial discussing the failings of our current system, it was actually the first of a two-part debate between an adviser for the Drug Free America Foundation, David Evans, and a speaker for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, James P. Gray. The full text is well worth reading no matter what side of the debate you are on, although if you are looking for a well-reasoned argument in favor of our current laws then you are fresh out of luck.
Instead, what we have here is a textbook case of insanity displayed by Mr. Evans. Although the term is no longer technically used in scientific circles, it is still a legal defense which essentially argues that the accused does not have an understanding that what they have done is harmful to themselves and society. It could also be argued that Mr. Evans knows full well the impact of his projected ignorance and delusion, but to accuse a man I’ve never met of lying seems irrational in and of itself. Therefore, we are forced to assume that Mr. Evans actually believes that drug prohibition has been an overall success; and he actually believes that drug use forces people to automatically commit crimes which they otherwise would never dream of.
The honest questions and cold, hard facts presented by Mr. Gray are completely ignored time and time again while Mr. Evans obsesses over manufactured statistics and tired, old (and widely disproved) scare tactics. A debate which could be helping guide our nation through necessary and beneficial changes has sadly been upended due to one side’s inability to answer simple questions or provide one tangible benefit they have brought to the table. That he was able to keep a level head and refrain from asking the men in white coats to please get his opponent some help says volumes about the character of Judge Jim Gray–a trial judge in Orange County since 1983.
Thanks to a failed prohibition of certain mind-altering plants which have been revered throughout the world for thousands of years, we have collectively developed the ability to grow plants indoors, efficiently and without any natural sunlight or soil. The overwhelming demand for these illicit plants, combined with our government’s attempts to disrupt the trade have led to technological and manufacturing accomplishments which will soon have a huge benefit for society as a whole.
If these plants had not been made illegal, indoor gardening would have still been relatively in the stone age (please pardon the pun.) As it turns out, our drug war did have a purpose: to make indoor gardening available and monetarily feasible for the majority of the population. “Mission Accomplished”, thanks to the latest generation of LED grow lights and the corresponding advances in aeroponics (the most efficient, highest yielding form of soil-less growing.)
According to the DEA and Congress, certain plants are too dangerous for us to consume and therefore must be wiped off the face of the earth. Never mind the gasoline I could just as easily huff or the rubber cement we all played with in elementary school; the thousands of deaths directly attributed to these dangerous substances are worth the risks, just like pharmaceutical concoctions. But somehow, certain plants are not. Even a plant that has scientifically been proven to be safer than tylenol, that just happens to have a ‘cousin’ which can be cheaply grown on marginal land and made into practically anything.
This absurd stance has been held by our elected leaders for a very long time now, yet the public is still largely unaware and our (now contradictory) laws remain completely unquestioned by practically all politicians. A notable exception of late was in the UK, where the top drug adviser was fired for “claiming” that both cannabis and ecstasy are safer than alcohol. He directly attributes this viewpoint to the results of scientific studies, which overwhelmingly show that both substances are indeed less dangerous to the user and society than alcohol.
One particular article brings up some good points, but stops short of destroying the government’s credibility by citing the actual studies. Opting instead to refer to the former drug adviser’s statement as a “claim”, the article downplays what could the biggest story of the decade: scientists and respected leaders demanding that drug laws conform to some type of logic and common sense. Oddly enough, the article leaves the reader to ponder the following quote from Prime Minister Gordon Brown:
“On climate change, or health, for example,” he said, “we take the best scientific advise possible. But in an area like drugs we have to look at it in the round.”
Luckily, the article also provides a list the scientist in question, David Nutt, published as part of a paper that helped lead to his termination as top drug adviser. It is a list of drugs, ordered from most dangerous to least; and it is based entirely on the latest scientific data available. Something that Gordon Brown appears unconcerned with, but President Obama will have a tough time convincing his supporters (much less, critics) that scientific integrity doesn’t really matter–at least not in this particular instance, which happens to dictate the use of hundreds of billions of taxpayers’ dollars every year…
The funny thing is, even if Obama refuses to end the policies which were once referred to as the “War on Drugs”; this ongoing battle against ourselves is almost over. Laws can be quite powerful when properly enforced, but the evolution of technology is easily orders of magnitude more influential in our society today.
Thanks to an insatiable demand for mind-altering substances derived from plants, along with our nation’s attempted prohibition of said plants; the artificial lighting and related indoor gardening industries have come a very long ways just in the past few years. They have come so far, in fact, that they have rendered law enforcement’s last best tool completely useless: LED’s and other new, more efficient lights have made it impossible to locate indoor grow operations using electricity usage data and/or thermal imaging equipment.
In addition to making it much easier to circumvent an already unenforceable law, the rapid advance of lighting technology along with corresponding advances in soil-less growing techniques such as aeroponics have made it feasible for the average person to build their own indoor garden, where they can grow their own fresh, organic herbs and vegetables all year long. Although self-contained, pre-manufactured systems are still relatively expensive, the recent federal policy change recognizing people with state-issued “green” cards ensures that there will be plenty of demand and healthy competition in this emerging market.
The combination of our capitalist system and moral ineptitude has enabled us to develop the tools with which we can build a sustainable society. Although growing our own food locally, possibly even in our own homes, may seem like a trivial step–keep in mind that food in this country currently averages 1700 miles “from farm to fork”. Plus, you’ve never tasted a better tomato than one you grew yourself.
Self-sustainability has become much more feasible, thanks entirely to a failed policy which should have scrapped decades ago. Please be sure to call your representatives in Congress and the Senate, let them know that their ineptitude has actually paid off! You might also want to let them know that it’s time to finally end our collective misery by following the advice of the U.N. and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc).
Then we will win the war in Afghanistan , secure our borders and rebuild our economy while creating sustainable industries (based on the incredible versatility of hemp.) The politicians will have a field day with their speeches, going on and on about all of the prosperity and opportunity that they have created–by finally scrapping a law they all knew was bogus anyway. At the very least, it ought to be entertaining.
On October 19,2009 the Obama Administration issued a memo to all U.S. States Attorney’s offices notifying them of a change in policy regarding the prosecution of medical marijuana users. As stated in the memorandum, the medicinal use of marijuana will no longer be a priority due to a severe lack of resources. The Department of Justice, however, still refuse to acknowledge that the herb actually has medical value; no doubt to ensure it’s status as a “schedule I narcotic” that must be wiped off the face of the earth.
The memo even includes one statement that is truly comical, as long as you can get past roughly 15,000 violent deaths:
“The Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all States. Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute significant marijuana traffickers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.”
Despite it’s attempted wording to the contrary, the above example is easily one of the most powerful arguments against our failed prohibition of drugs. Our unenforceable drug policy provides the black market funds which have allowed these organizations to become so powerful and dangerous. And, as Mexican President Calderon points out:
Sincerity is a rare word for politicians to use, much less understand; but there is little doubt that President Calderon is onto something here (to continue putting it mildly..) Albert Einstein once pointed out that “..nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.”
He may have been referring to alcohol at the time, but this statement is nonetheless true today. And if anyone believes that we still have federal funds to waste on this failed war of illogical morality, please consider the following:
The Bankruptcy of The United States, as presented before Congress by Rep. James Traficant, Jr. (Ohio) on March 17, 1993
For actual solutions to the myriad of problems we are now facing as a nation, check out HempUSA.org.
And, exactly why are these people being arrested for planting seeds? Because those seeds are related to the seeds which produce the dangerous drug, marijuana. A drug that’s so dangerous, our government has NEVER proven a case where someone died from it (by comparison, over two hundred people die every year from reactions to acetametaphine–an over-the counter pain medication found in Tylenol.)
Not only is cannabis (marijuana) safe, it has also been scientifically proven as effective for a wide range of medicinal uses that include breast cancer treatment and adolescent ADD treatment. According to experts, like the one below who recently testified before Congress, cannabis is hands-down the best treatment available for teens and adults suffering from ADD and ADHD…and somehow, our Congress still pretends that our drug policy is not contradicting it’s own rules while destroying what’s left of this great nation.
The good news is, medical marijuana is already legal in thirteen states and laws encouraging hemp farming have already been passed in seventeen states. With our President’s assurance that no more federal raids would be conducted against medical marijuana users who are in compliance with state law, our federal government has finally recognized the medical utility of cannabis sativa. In doing so, they have declared the prohibition against this plant illegal under the stated definition of a “Schedule I Narcotic”–which has the following three provisions:
1. The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
2. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
3. There is a lack of accepted safety for the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
Now take a look at this video, pretend you are a member of Congress (without the kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies); and tell me whether or not you think ANY of these provisions are being met by the cannabis plant. Tell me it’s worth gunning down kids and spending hundreds of billions of dollars just to keep us “safe” from a drug that is unquestionably safer than both alcohol and tobacco. Tell me I don’t have a right to grow my own herbal medicine, which has been scientifically proven as both safer and more effective than pharmaceutical concoctions for literally hundreds of ailments. Tell me one single benefit to society from our current (failed) prohibition, and maybe I’ll change my mind; possibly even vote for you in the next election…
If you are a U.S. citizen, please call your congress representative today and demand accountability for this ongoing atrocity; after all, it is our money they keep wasting. Click here to visit Congress.org, where you can find all the contact information for your representative–and even send them messages directly.
The following quote is taken from an article found at www.OregonBusiness.com–Jobs Watch: Hemp for the masses
“NAT’s partnerships with the decidedly non-hippy powerhouses Hanes and Georgia Pacific offer hints about the company’s plans. The goal is the no-nonsense, low-cost, mass production of industrial hemp, initially for the apparel and pulp industries and eventually for natural plastics and biofuels. The company has trademarked a fiber technology called Crailar that Barker hopes to build into the next big apparel ingredient in the tradition of Lycra and Gore-Tex, but plant-based and organic.
The idea isn’t to replace the mountains of petroleum-based polyester used by Nike and Adidas, or the fields of pesticide-covered cotton gobbled up by Hanes and Levi Strauss, but rather to introduce Crailar into the existing system of textile manufacturing, as an option for manufacturers interested in going green. Thus the partnership with Hanes and textile researchers at North Carolina State.
The same general principle applies to the pulp industry, which is in deep trouble these days and could use some fresh ideas. Think paper towels and napkins without the stumps. The fact that Georgia Pacific has signed on suggests that the potential is there.
Barker calls hemp a “super-crop.” There is no disputing that hemp is a proven performer that grows like a weed without pesticides. It is also illegal, at the federal level, although Oregon recently became the seventh state to vote to legalize it at the statewide level. Barker argues that harvesting hemp locally would make sense, but in the meantime he says it is easy to import from Canada.”
So, the moral of the story is that we will soon be importing lots more hemp from Canada–where it is quickly helping them to actually create sustainable industries which benefit local farmers. And, at a horrific cost to the taxpayers, we are also importing one other item from Canada: the Prince of Pot, Marc Emery. A man whom historians and schoolchildren alike will one day celebrate–if they are not doing so already..
The Loss of a Hero (Marc Emery Farewell Speech Clip)
