Hemp Can Help!

There is a lot of negative press about using any form of cannabis in the United States, even for logical solutions. When considering the many benefits this plant offers, it is important to reconsider its populous image. Hopefully, with the power of this information, the face of hemp will change.

First, it is important to point out the family genus, cannabis, has different species and subspecies strains. The crucial distinction is determining the rope variety from the dope. Cannabis sativa sativa was cultivated for its long fibrous qualities where as cannabis sativa indica gained popularity for its THC content. For purposes of clarity, hemp is often used when referring to the fibrous plant whereas cannabis is more popular for the other plants and preferred over the derogatory term, marijuana.

In fashion, hemp is making a real splash. The long fibers from the stalk of the plant can be woven into durable and comfortable fabrics. Depending on the process, this utilitarian fabric can be made to feel like linen, jean or silk. In fact, you may already have been wearing hemp unknowingly. In the June 1995 Issue of The New York Times, designer Ralph Lauren revealed that he has been using hemp fiber in his clothing since 1984. In the same article, Calvin Klein admitted, “I believe that hemp is going to be the fiber of choice in home furnishings and fashion.”* This incredible statement is attributed to the functional strength of hemp over cotton. Hemp bundle fibers are up to fifteen feet long, whereas cotton fibers are merely three-quarters of an inch, which makes hemp 8 times the tensile strength and 4 times the durability of cotton. 

What about paper? Well, looking at it historically, paper has come from trees for only 160 years. Before the mid 1800s, paper came from cloth rags and crops of papyrus and hemp. Going back to that method could in effect make huge strides in healing the earth; the crisis of deforestation, soil erosion and environmental changes is no longer a casual issue on the back burner for future generations. If the prohibition on hemp is lifted, the economic advantage in using hemp would force manufacturers to go green with hemp plus allow for nature’s other resources to rejuvenate.

Perhaps the most exciting area that hemp can help is in manufacturing and building. The possibilities are mind boggling, like a car made out of hemp (except for the steel frame), a house made of hemp, and super strong composite board. It’s amazing! There’s a patented non-toxic process that turns stalk into insulation, called Isochanvre. And then there’s the colossus of potential, bio-degradable plastics and bio-fuels can be made from hemp. Considering the implications on the world’s consumption of oil and plastics, this is an amazing application! One I hope to see soon even though the technology is largely novel.

So far, the uses of hemp have been based on the “rope” strain of the cannabis plant. The plentiful uses continue into food and medicine. Now let’s dive into the application of the cannabis “rope” and cannabis “dope” strains. The nutritive value of sterilized hemp seed powder and oil could rock the agricultural industry. Can you think of another bio-available, balanced, plant protein source with all the amino acids and essential fatty acids that’s energetically neutral and healthy and that is drought resistant and pest resistant? There is no other. It’s hemp. All vegetarians and vegans should have stock in hemp seed protein to balance out their diet. It’s no wonder why so many supplements, like ShenTrition, are using hemp seed protein powder in their formulations. There are even stories of famine survivors mixing hemp seed and rice for a meal. Talk about saving lives; hemp can help.*

The medicinal uses are overwhelming. The references of cannabis treatments go back to 2300 B.C.E when Emperor Shen Nung prescribed female cannabis for the treatment of constipation, gout, malaria, rheumatism and menstrual problems.* Female cannabis was even regarded by Nung as one of the superior elixirs of immortality.* In ancient Ayuruveda and Indian Medicine, there are many noted cannabis cures.* Depending on the preparation method and ailment, the narcotic effects can be neutralized. The therapeutic powers of cannabis reportedly help for cases of diarrhea, constipation, epilepsy, delirium, gastritis, anorexia, consumption, fistula, nausea, fever, diabetes, anemia, menstrual pain, tuberculosis, asthma, gout, malaria, rabies, hemorrhoids, and skin diseases.* Of course there is the use for pain, arthritis, glaucoma, depression, headaches and convulsions or spasms (as in cases of muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and varieties of paralysis). With that kind of effect, it’s no wonder that the AMA and FDA are concerned. The economic impact of shifting patients from pain killers and anti-depressants to cannabis could cripple the pharmaceutical industry. Anyone interested in the applications of medicinal cannabis should consult their physician and state law. Some states, like Montana, allow for non-residents to get a “green card” when an appropriate medical condition exists.

Whether Federal lawmakers will listen to the individual states by repealing the prohibition remains unclear; however, it is ironic that the original drafts of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper, and that until the 1800s hemp paper was used for printing money. In fact, the US Government encouraged farmers to grow hemp to help win World War II. Clearly the plant has not changed in the last 80 years; only the public’s perception is that fickle. Shifting the public image of hemp requires individuals re-branding this amazing plant in their minds and communication. This may be one of the best approaches to helping hemp’s resurgence. Make a difference and educate others on the benefits of rope and dope.

Sources:

*The Great Book of Hemp, The Complete Guide to Environmental, Commercial and Medicinal Uses of the World’s Most Extraordinary Plant, by Rowan Robinson

What will happen next?

In the spirit of Mr. Emanuel’s principle on crisis, Mr. Obama signed a version of Codex Alimentarius’ legislation during the Gulf Oil Spill distraction. The date was June 10, 2010 and it is executive order #13544. Though, the language is ambiguous, there are some particular portions that I think are particularly worrisome:
(f) contains specific plans to ensure that all Federal health-care programs are fully coordinated with science-based prevention recommendations by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
(g) contains specific plans to ensure that all prevention programs outside the Department of Health and Human Services are based on the science- based guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under subsection (d) of this section
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The item that draws tremendous concerns is point (g). This provision gives full authority to a presidentially appointed panel to determine what is a viable or a "science-based" treatment modality. In other words, one man gets to pick a committee of favored men (not necessarily qualified professionals from the natural and alternative health fields) to determine what EVERYONE in the country is allowed to do with regards to their health care choices. This committee will certainly place the burden of proof and efficacy on double-blind studies (which in part is good science). However, any therapies outside of that standard will fall out of favor and be regulated as such. So, the thousands of years of anecdotal evidence about natural medicine will be tossed out the window.

Many of us in the alternative health and wellness field do not have the hundreds of thousands of dollars and in many cases, millions, to have double-blind studies performed in an FDA approved facility. And they know it. We rely on the information from "trial and improvement" evidence that has been gathered over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years to give us the validity needed to practice healing treatment modalities. If a therapy has worked successfully without any casualties or side effects for centuries, why not go with it?

Here is the language in its entirety:

Executive Order 13544 of June 10, 2010 Establishing the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 4001 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148), it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment. There is established within the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council (Council). Sec. 2. Membership. (a) The Surgeon General shall serve as the Chair of the Council, which shall be composed of: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) the Secretary of Labor; (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (4) the Secretary of Transportation; (5) the Secretary of Education; (6) the Secretary of Homeland Security; (7) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (8) the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission; (9) the Director of National Drug Control Policy; (10) the Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council; (11) the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; (12) the Chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and (13) the head of any other executive department or agency that the Chair may, from time to time, determine is appropriate. (b) The Council shall meet at the call of the Chair. Sec. 3. Purposes and Duties. The Council shall: (a) provide coordination and leadership at the Federal level, and among all executive departments and agencies, with respect to prevention, wellness, and health promotion practices, the public health system, and integrative health care in the United States; (b) develop, after obtaining input from relevant stakeholders, a national prevention, health promotion, public health, and integrative health-care strat- egy that incorporates the most effective and achievable means of improving the health status of Americans and reducing the incidence of preventable illness and disability in the United States, as further described in section 5 of this order; (c) provide recommendations to the President and the Congress concerning the most pressing health issues confronting the United States and changes in Federal policy to achieve national wellness, health promotion, and public health goals, including the reduction of tobacco use, sedentary behavior, and poor nutrition; VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:18 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4705 Sfmt 4790 E:\FR\FM\16JNE0.SGM 16JNE0 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PRESDOCE033984 Federal Register/Vol. 75, No. 115/Wednesday, June 16, 2010/Presidential Documents (d) consider and propose evidence-based models, policies, and innovative approaches for the promotion of transformative models of prevention, integra- tive health, and public health on individual and community levels across the United States; (e) establish processes for continual public input, including input from State, regional, and local leadership communities and other relevant stake- holders, including Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (f) submit the reports required by section 6 of this order; and (g) carry out such other activities as are determined appropriate by the President. Sec. 4. Advisory Group. (a) There is established within the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health (Advisory Group), which shall report to the Chair of the Council. (b) The Advisory Group shall be composed of not more than 25 members or representatives from outside the Federal Government appointed by the President and shall include a diverse group of licensed health professionals, including integrative health practitioners who are representative of or have expertise in: (1) worksite health promotion; (2) community services, including community health centers; (3) preventive medicine; (4) health coaching; (5) public health education; (6) geriatrics; and (7) rehabilitation medicine. (c) The Advisory Group shall develop policy and program recommenda- tions and advise the Council on lifestyle-based chronic disease prevention and management, integrative health care practices, and health promotion. Sec. 5. National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy. Not later than March 23, 2011, the Chair, in consultation with the Council, shall develop and make public a national prevention, health promotion, and public health strategy (national strategy), and shall review and revise it periodically. The national strategy shall: (a) set specific goals and objectives for improving the health of the United States through federally supported prevention, health promotion, and public health programs, consistent with ongoing goal setting efforts conducted by specific agencies; (b) establish specific and measurable actions and timelines to carry out the strategy, and determine accountability for meeting those timelines, within and across Federal departments and agencies; and (c) make recommendations to improve Federal efforts relating to preven- tion, health promotion, public health, and integrative health-care practices to ensure that Federal efforts are consistent with available standards and evidence. Sec. 6. Reports. Not later than July 1, 2010, and annually thereafter until January 1, 2015, the Council shall submit to the President and the relevant committees of the Congress, a report that: (a) describes the activities and efforts on prevention, health promotion, and public health and activities to develop the national strategy conducted by the Council during the period for which the report is prepared; (b) describes the national progress in meeting specific prevention, health promotion, and public health goals defined in the national strategy and further describes corrective actions recommended by the Council and actions taken by relevant agencies and organizations to meet these goals; VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:18 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4705 Sfmt 4790 E:\FR\FM\16JNE0.SGM 16JNE0 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PRESDOCE0 Federal Register/Vol. 75, No. 115/Wednesday, June 16, 2010/Presidential Documents 33985 (c) contains a list of national priorities on health promotion and disease prevention to address lifestyle behavior modification (including smoking cessation, proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, mental health, behavioral health, substance-use disorder, and domestic violence screenings) and the prevention measures for the five leading disease killers in the United States; (d) contains specific science-based initiatives to achieve the measurable goals of the Healthy People 2020 program of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation, and targeting the five leading disease killers in the United States; (e) contains specific plans for consolidating Federal health programs and centers that exist to promote healthy behavior and reduce disease risk (includ- ing eliminating programs and offices determined to be ineffective in meeting the priority goals of the Healthy People 2020 program of the Department of Health and Human Services); (f) contains specific plans to ensure that all Federal health-care programs are fully coordinated with science-based prevention recommendations by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and (g) contains specific plans to ensure that all prevention programs outside the Department of Health and Human Services are based on the science- based guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under subsection (d) of this section. Sec. 7. Administration. (a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide funding and administrative support for the Council and the Advisory Group to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. (b) All executive departments and agencies shall provide information and assistance to the Council as the Chair may request for purposes of carrying out the Council’s functions, to the extent permitted by law. (c) Members of the Advisory Group shall serve without compensation, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsist- ence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707), consistent with the availability of funds. Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C App.) may apply to the Advisory Group, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in accordance with the guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (1) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (2) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:18 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4705 Sfmt 4790 E:\FR\FM\16JNE0.SGM 16JNE0 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PRESDOCE0 33986 Federal Register/Vol. 75, No. 115/Wednesday, June 16, 2010/Presidential Documents (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person."

As I pointed out, the wording of this order is ambiguous thus leaving it wide open for interpretation and dependent on the eye of the beholder.

Now, let's assume that our government, Codex Alimentarius and the FDA are benevolent with the best interests of the consumer in mind. In that case, everything is fine. Right? I wish that were the case. The facts point otherwise. These are the same folks that allowed thymerisol (the mercury based stabilizer) in vaccines, genetically modified foodstuffs (and soon animals), aspartame and more into the marketplace under the pretense that it is safe for human consumption. With that track record, do they really have our best interest in mind? You be the judge.

We already know their intent as stated; the goal is to "harmonize" the US laws with those of the UN. If any question arises about what does that mean, then Norway and Germany are the present example. The rest of Europe is on its way, which means an almost total negation of their health freedoms. Translation, our freedom of choice is on the line.

Personally, I think it's all about greed. Big Pharma wants to control the 60 billion dollars-a-year-in-business globally that we generate in the Natural Medicine Industry. Since most natural remedies can't be patented, they simply over-regulate them and place them out of the consumers’ reach (unless prescribed by an MD). Alternatively when possible, they design a synthetic copy to patent and capitalize.

It's sad, but true. This swift regulatory action is happening right under the American public's nose. In fact, they have come to rely on our self-absorbed culture. Their attitude is “who gives a $h!t?”

Clearly, the citizens of Canada gave a large pile, because they revolted and stopped this type of regulation from becoming law in their country. And though, I don’t agree with many of the tenets of socialism, I am grateful that Canada is an example for the US in this area.

So, “who gives a $h!t” in the USA anymore?

Well, that remains to be seen.