I was at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and ate a sample of hemp seeds. Then I said to myself, what am I eating that costs $20.00 per pound? Well, I ate the seeds of a highly nutritious plant. Sadly, the U.S. federal government has not legalized hemp’s growth, production or planting. Why? That is a good question. Hemp could significantly help to heal the planet and be good for U.S. economy. So, why is hemp good? Hemp’s impact strength is ten times stronger than steel; in fact, Henry Ford used it to make a Model T car. Plus, European car plants are now making car part panels from hemp based composites. The panels are half the weight, bio-degradable, and safer than fiberglass ones.

Hemp is also great for your health. It is easily digested and provides 10 essential amino acids, 4 fatty acids and over 30% protein. And hemp oil keeps your skin from getting dry.

Here are other reasons to like hemp. It is stronger and softer than cotton, and can be used to make clothes and textiles. In fact, samples of hemp fabrics from China date back to 8,000 B.C. Additionally, it can fuel your car, and is mold and fire resistant when used for home building. And before I forget, hemp bio-degradable plastic bags would significantly reduce landfill waste.

Hemp was grown in the U.S. from 1776-1937. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it. In fact, the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Yet U.S. farmers are not legally permitted to grow it. Germany, the Netherlands, the U.K., Canada, Australia, and other countries allow hemp plantings and commercial production. It is time for the U.S. to do so as well.