The sight of three-metre cannabis plants on the front page of today’s Mercury may set people’s hearts aflutter for a variety of reasons, most of which result from the illegal connotations associated with the word.
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The first step toward Australian society embracing industrial hemp as a versatile and eco-friendly crop is to dispel any myth that the plants are capable of being used as recreational drugs.
They’re not.
The psychoactive compound found in illegal marijuana, THC, is absolutely minimal. In contrast, its potential as a source of nutrition and fibre is unbounded.
Hunter MP and opposition Agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon publicly threw his support behind industrial hemp farming late last month.
In his blog on Fairfax website Farm Online, Mr Fitzgibbon observed: “Industrial hemp is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly crops available.
“Numerous biodegradable products can be made from industrial hemp including, textiles, building materials, paper, a range of composite materials and fuel. Industrial hemp grows without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides and is a great rotation crop.”
In addition to its multiple industrial applications, hemp produces a seed that is hailed around the globe as a nutritional powerhouse and indeed a super food.
However, hemp seeds cannot be sold as a food in Australia, and the sight of a crop of industrial hemp still sends people into a spin.
This misconception is the greatest obstacle to what could be a great economic and environmental boon for Australian agriculture.
Industrial hemp might be a way to keep families on the land, boost our economy and help our economy, all in one fell swoop.
Surely we can’t afford to let ignorance stand in the way.
