cannabisnews.com: Demystifying Controversy Surrounding Plant Demystifying Controversy Surrounding Plant Posted by CN Staff on May 01, 2005 at 08:35:01 PT By Tom Ragan, Sentinel Staff Writer Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel Watsonville -- George Washington grew it. And so did Thomas Jefferson. It’s hemp, and now Watsonville organic strawberry farmer Vanessa Bogenholm would like to grow it as a profitable cover crop when her berries are not in season — and she took her case to Sacramento on Wednesday. She tried to convince the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee that nothing but fear and a lack of education stand behind the legalization of this controversial, yet misunderstood plant. "People get this myth in their minds that (hemp is) dangerous or it’s a drug, and that’s what they run with — even if it couldn’t be furthest from the truth," said the 39-year-old Bogenholm.Unlike its genetic cousin marijuana, hemp, which is grown for its seeds and fibers, contains only minuscule amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, an ingredient that creates a sense of euphoria when smoked.Yet hemp, while it is legally sold in the United States, cannot be grown here. Bogenholm’s contention is if hemp is already being imported to the United States by Canadian farmers and they’re making the money, why can’t she and other U.S. farmers grow it for economic benefit.The demand is there, and it’s been there for decades. People make clothes and rope out of hemp. The oil, extracted from its seeds, has become very popular, and the sweet seeds themselves can be found in a few energy bars around town, Bogenholm said.Bogenholm said Republicans in committee last week seemed accepting of her idea, with the exception of Nicole Parra, a Republican assemblywoman who represents the 30th District in Bakersfield — an agriculturally heavy area akin to the Pajaro Valley.Mary Gutierrez, Parra’s spokeswoman, said in a telephone interview on Friday: "We just think that it would be sending the wrong message to children. Although we recognize that hemp is not marijuana, there are a lot of people who don’t make that connection, and we think it’s better to just leave this issue alone and move on to issues that are more important."Don’t try telling Bogenholm and other Pajaro Valley farmers that it’s not an issue. Not only would growing hemp as cover crop help replenish the soil for berries, it could add money to their pockets.And farmers are always looking for ways to make more money, given the nature of their business and the tight profit margins."If we can grow it as a cover crop and then turn around and sell it as an industrial use, then I don’t see why not," said Edward Ortega, a longtime Watsonville strawberry farmer.Steve Bontadelli, a Brussels sprouts grower in Watsonville, noted that hemp is an easy crop to grow."It’s basically a weed," he said. "It grows on the sides of the road in the Midwest, but the problem is there’s this stigma with it, and it’s associated with marijuana."The only person to voice objection in Sacramento, next to Parra, was a man who feared that if hemp was allowed in the fields, then the plant might cross-pollinate with his legally grown marijuana, reducing the strength of its THC, Bogenholm said."I think we might have a shot at this," said Bogenholm, who grew up in Santa Maria and has lived in Watsonville for almost two decades. "But we’ve got a while to wait."The proposed legislation is to be taken up again for consideration in January, according to the office of Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.He introduced the matter this past session after a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the federal government did not have authority to regulate hemp under the 1970 Controlled Substance Act.Nikos A. Leverenz of the Drug Policy Alliance Network, a nonprofit drug policy reform group in Sacramento, has entered the fray. And he’s all for the proposed law."The uphill battle against legalizing hemp is ... unfortunate and illogical," said Leverenz, the group’s executive director. "The use of hemp is legion, and farmers in Canada are making money off it, not in the United States. But it’s because of the political powers to be."Note: Berry grower wants U.S. farmers to reap benefits of hemp’s value.Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel (CA)Author: Tom Ragan, Sentinel Staff WriterPublished: May 1, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Santa Cruz SentinelContact: editorial santa-cruz.comWebsite: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Hemp Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/hls.htmCalifornia Bill To Allow Hemp Farming Falls Short http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20591.shtmlBill Would Allow Hemp Farming in Californiahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20461.shtmlHemp Represents Opportunity for Organic Farmershttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20293.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #75 posted by Hope on May 03, 2005 at 17:48:42 PT Somebody here at CNews once said, "The first time I ever tried marijuana, I knew it was Holy."That statement has stayed with me. I thought it was beautiful and stunning.The best answer, I think, for non medical users of marijuana, when they are asked why they smoke it, I think is, "Because I like it." No explanations...nothing else. You have to respect that. "Because I like it." [ Post Comment ] Comment #74 posted by FoM on May 03, 2005 at 15:37:01 PT runderwo Perfect! [ Post Comment ] Comment #73 posted by runderwo on May 03, 2005 at 15:30:58 PT how about this one "Marijuana is one of the safest and cheapest sources of medicine, relaxation, and pleasure in the entire world. Legalize it today!" [ Post Comment ] Comment #72 posted by Max Flowers on May 03, 2005 at 13:23:31 PT My take The day that it's universally accepted that "smokers" and "alcohol consumers" are also "drug users", the semantic thing can be put to rest IMO. [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by GreenJoy on May 03, 2005 at 11:02:21 PT LMAO! I went to bed just a laughin and a smilin away. Almost as though I'd smoked some..........herb? :-) [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by Hope on May 03, 2005 at 10:14:46 PT GreenJoy, Post 66 *smile* You inadvertantly touched on one of our areas of super sensitivity. Ouch!It's one of our smaller grievances...but it's a grievance, none the less.But, if we weren't irritated about the whole mess, we wouldn't be here trying to clean it up. [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by runruff on May 03, 2005 at 09:29:39 PT: Re: Reinquist, CSA, Raich v. Ashcroft So I've read that Reinquist under Nixon as a young Lawyer helped write the CSA. To rule aginst his own work may be impossible for him to do. A supreme court appointment may have been his reward for doing so. I'm sure he must know how udderly corrupt the CSA is and all the damage it has done to the provencal population. He seems a cold self serving man to me.I believe this great injustice to his country will go down in history as his legacy. A declaration of war on his own countrymen that has lasted now for 35 years and counting. Like other neferous power brokers before him, this planet will be better off without him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by BGreen on May 03, 2005 at 05:25:06 PT Manufacture Them In A Hydroponics Laboratory and make sure you use lots of dangerous and poisonous chemicals like all of those blasted Canadians.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by The GCW on May 03, 2005 at 05:04:12 PT Hope, Re: "manufacturing" I never caught that connection... jab, before...Thanks. [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by GreenJoy on May 02, 2005 at 21:30:48 PT Wo! Did this grow legs? This is amazing! I just wanted to know for my own self if it is a weed or an herb. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 21:21:55 PT Hope That's really a good one! Thanks! [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 21:20:40 PT "manufacturing" That one irritates me, too.Hmmmm...I'm going to manufacture some okra, corn, and tomatoes this summer. I want to manufacture some peas and cantaloupe, too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 21:20:15 PT afterburner I wish I could have said it like you did. That's exactly what I've been trying to say but I haven't been able to put it in words like you just did. Thank you! [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by afterburner on May 02, 2005 at 21:15:04 PT My Beef about the Word 'Drugs' The police and the prohibitionist media use the word "drugs" to blur the distinction between "soft" drugs and "hard" drugs. They tar the gentle herb, the laughing grass, the wonderful substance by lumping it in with addictive, life-threatening "drugs," like heroin and cocaine. It's the white powders and the pills that I don't trust. [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 21:12:57 PT Patrick, you are so right! "It’s preposterous that ending prohibition of cannabis and hemp is this difficult." [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 21:10:05 PT Runderwo I like ""Marijuana is one of the safest and cheapest sources of medicine and recreation in the entire world. Why is it not legal?" Maybe “spiritual and mental recreation” instead of just “recreation”?"Recreation" always makes me think of baseball or something.Oops...there go the semantics again! It's apparently pretty unavoidable, isn't it?Oh well. We "have a mission" and semantics and the "meaning of words" won't stop us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 20:48:06 PT Patrick I hope that I live to see the day when the laws surrounding cannabis finally change. I don't think about any other issue anymore. I do read google news though. LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by Patrick on May 02, 2005 at 20:33:35 PT FoM Herbs vs drugs?I too believe that herbs are very beneficial as are many of the drugs that we have too. It’s all in the context of how it is used. Where would we be today without the polio vaccine and penicillin as an example? Manufactured drugs can kill you and there is no doubt about that. Many herbs are poisonous as well. Morphine and heroin both come from the very same poppy plant yet we create an artificial line making one beneficial and the other a black market commodity that spawns corruption, violence, and international drug profits perhaps equal to or greater than the "legal" profits of the drug companies. Prohibition of cannabis is the same thing only worse because the government won’t even admit cannabis has medical value when at the same time they continue to supply it to several grandfathered patients. It’s preposterous that ending prohibition of cannabis and hemp is this difficult. [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 20:12:04 PT Patrick It doesn't really matter to me what Cannabis is called. I believe it is a medicinal herb because that what I think when I think of the name Cannabis. I believe herbs are good and I take different ones everyday. I just started taking Licorice Root and I drink Kombucha tea and another herbal tea to relax which has Chamomile in the blend of herbs. I think the way Dr. Weil thinks about herbs.PS: I also don't take any drugs because they almost killed me years back so I don't like drugs at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by Patrick on May 02, 2005 at 20:07:41 PT runderwo How bout these variations?Marijuana is the safest recreational drug in the world. Legalize it today!Marijuana is one of the safest herbal medicines in the world. Why is it illegal? [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by Patrick on May 02, 2005 at 20:01:27 PT FoM I felt the same way until I read the definition Hope posted for a drug. At that moment the semantics of it all made sense to me. So, you see if the word “drug” has a negative inference it’s all in the context of how it is used. So, what if the anti’s call cannabis a “drug”! It is the truth. We all know and preach that the truth shall set you free! So why not accept that term too! If you feel that the prohibitionists keep us spinning in circles because they can use the term “drug” to manipulate people not familiar with our issue? Then let us take that tactic away from them. Say sure cannabis is a drug, and it has lots of medicinal value! You Mr. Drug Czar say that the drug marijuana has none yet how can you explain Irvin Rosenfeld, one of seven patients who still receive a monthly supply of medical marijuana from the U.S. government under a program closed to new enrollment in 1992?Or how can you tell television talk show host Montel Williams, who uses medical marijuana to treat the debilitating pain of multiple sclerosis that it has no effect on his pain?Or explain what happened to Angel Raich’s list of dying patients who have died in the wake of a federal raid on their medical marijuana garden?We should never be afraid of the truth as it will beat out the lies in the long run every time. FoM I think the truth will prevail and I hope it happens in our lifetime.People using the language to be derogatory or slur cannabis as a “bad drug” should be exposed for that tactic and I would like to think that most people today are much more aware and in tune to when they are being slurred to or being derogatorized at. Our society has been dancing on eggshells and political correctedness for a long time now. I think you just exposed a weakness in their argument FoM! Way to go! [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by runderwo on May 02, 2005 at 19:55:17 PT rewrite "Marijuana is one of the safest recreational drugs in the world. Shouldn't it be legal?"How about:"Marijuana is one of the safest and cheapest sources of medicine and recreation in the entire world. Why is it not legal?" [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 19:52:50 PT The GCW That's a good way of saying it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by The GCW on May 02, 2005 at 19:41:15 PT Yes Patrick,When You refer to cannabis as drug, it sounds fine.When Pro’s say “drug,” it is derogatory, foul; a jab; and they know it.I’d like to take that away from the Pro’s (in part) by exposing it as a racial slur… (but using the word drug with cannabis in mind is not unbiasedly bad and is unlikely to become reality; too many other activists may disagree….)We are a culture.Biblically.We are a culture like any other.We are a treasured culture to Christ God Our Father.He loves Us.We should not be persecuted.Taking what We respect and showing disrespect is unacceptable and it would be nice if the derogatory use of the word “drug” to describe cannabis was an accepted sign of ignorance. While at the same time, I understand other activists using the term and hope not to offend anyone in explaining how I feel about it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 19:14:44 PT Patrick Those are good links. My thing about calling Cannabis or Marijuana or other names like Ganja etc. a drug is the prohibitionists use the word drug and that makes many people who aren't that knowledgeable about our issue to think it is like illegal hard drugs. That's the only reason I don't like the word. It mixes it up and that's one of the reasons that the prohibitionists keep us spinning in circles I believe. [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by Patrick on May 02, 2005 at 18:58:19 PT Semantics Is it a plant, is it an herb, is it a weed, is it a drug, is it medicine, is it harmful, is it safe? I say yes it is all of those things depending upon your frame of reference. It’s all just semantics no matter what you call it. I have always believed that the “scientific name” is Cannabis Sativa. I did a Google search for those two words, “Cannabis Sativa,” and the second website that pops up is as follows…http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_profile.cgi&symbol=CASA3The US Department of Agriculture’s plant classification website.The first site is…http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Cannabis_sativa.html…which is from the Horticultural Department at the University of Purdue. A friend of mine went to Purdue to become a pharmacist while explaining to me years ago that Purdue is one of the top pharmacy schools in the country. That aside, some people are so darn sensitive to the semantics of pot, marijuana, bud, cannabis, maryjane, reefer, ganja that it borders on the utter ridiculous. I and others have been chastised on here by a few who go nuts if I call it dope or some other seemingly derogatory term. I for one used to preach that it’s not a drug but if the definition of a drug is what Hope posted in Comment #43, then yes marijuana is a drug by that definition as it is historical proof it was in the pharmacopeias of the United States and it offers relief. As of now, I no longer have a problem calling it a drug too! Some people call this amazing process learning :)So,I suggest enough already with the name calling semantics of loco weed. We are way past that petty debate today. The issue at heart and at hand is the continued prohibition of this plant and the lies told that keep it prohibited. I’m with you FoM in that I too am on a mission. All my adult life I have been a witness to this idiotic prohibition of cannabis and the harm it has wreaked. What someone wants to call cannabis sativa is really irrelevant since obviously it is all those things/names previously mentioned.The first site on a Google search for “cannabis sativa george washington”…http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/180/highsociety.htmlJust another green FYI! [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 15:01:04 PT Plants Saturday I was looking at plants. Looking at some oleander bushes, I couldn't help but wonder how something so poisonous is allowed to be nurtured, sold and planted in front yards all over the world like it was nothing. Yet, if you even possess a cannabis seed...a seed that grows a plant that can't kill you and can even help you, you can be shackled and imprisoned. How strange is that? [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 14:43:06 PT The GCW I agree with you. That's how I also see it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by The GCW on May 02, 2005 at 14:38:08 PT Cannabis is a plant. Cannabis is a plant.Prohibitionists label it, "drug" as though it is not a plant.Using "drug" to describe plant is further misguided because it is associated with negative persecutuing connotation, overtones etc.THCU ... police surely have obtained enough to see it's a plant, not a drug. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 13:14:20 PT Medicine I say that a person needs to take say heart medicine. The word medicine seems to be less caustic even to a person who needs to take a heart drug. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 12:52:42 PT Words "Drug" is not really such an ugly word. Our hate filled, sneer faced antagonists have worked to make it so. I've read that the term "marijuana" was supposed to be a sneer at the plant and people of Latin descent. I think it's a beautiful word. I think they're all good words. Filthy hearts and sneering lips can make any word dirty or insulting. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 12:45:36 PT A couple of definitions for "medicine" 1 a : a substance or preparation used in treating disease b : something that affects well-beingThree definitions for "herb":1 : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season 2 : a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities 3 slang : MARIJUANA 2(all definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster Online.) [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by Hope on May 02, 2005 at 12:39:49 PT a couple of definitions for "drug" 1) : a substance recognized in an official pharmacopoeia or formulary (2) : a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 02, 2005 at 12:33:23 PT Lying governments It does no good for the government to tell lies about cannabis or anything else. When people are told lies, they usually know it's a lie, and seek out the truth. It's just like the case of those poor soldiers facing prisoner abuse. I don't think anybody believes they weren't told to abuse the prisoners (prepare them for interigation). Why would they pose for pictures commiting a federal crime like they did? People will always seek the truth when the government is lying to them. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 12:04:57 PT Just a Note I said I'm on a mission. That's from the movie The Blues Brothers if anyone isn't aware of that expression. I want to see the laws changed on this medicinal herb. It's been on this earth since the beginning of time. It isn't harmful like drugs can be. It helps people with AIDS, HCV and other illnesses. Cannabis has been demeaned way to long. That's what my mission is. To free Cannabis of the stigma that has been made up about it. If we aren't told the truth about this plant what else are we being told that isn't true? [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 11:16:47 PT GreenJoy Oh my what a compliment. There are so many things that I don't know about this plant. Many people know way more then me but I am on a mission like I mentioned! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by GreenJoy on May 02, 2005 at 11:13:20 PT FoM :-) I should think you are or will someday soon be the all knowing all seeing eye of cannabis oracle!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 11:10:51 PT GreenJoy If you check out this link and scroll down a little you will see it is there.Link: http://www.swsbm.com/Images/Images_C.htmlWebsite: http://www.swsbm.com/HOMEPAGE/HomePage.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 11:07:20 PT GreenJoy I'm doing a search now and as soon as I find something I'll post. I had a web site that stated it is an herb but the link doesn't work. Now I'm on a mission! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by GreenJoy on May 02, 2005 at 10:56:34 PT FoM Thanks. That's what I say too. Thats what I keep telling her. I'll make sure she reads your take. We like to say its an herb, but is that the botanical fact and where has that been clearly defined? [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 10:48:47 PT GreenJoy Cannabis is not a drug. Cannabis is an herb that has psychoactive properties. Many herbs have psychoactive properties. Cannabis isn't a man made substance. Drugs are made by pharmaceutical companies. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by GreenJoy on May 02, 2005 at 10:43:01 PT Need to know the fact. I have an ongoing heated discussion with a friend as to whether cannabis is a drug. She says it is. I don't. Websters dictionary says,- Cannabis (kan'e bis)1. the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. 2. the flowering tops of the plant. 3.any of the various parts of the plant from which hashish, marijuana, bhang, and similar drugs are prepared. Nyeeeh. So it alludes to it being a drug. So what. What did D. Webster know about it anyway. ( If I were to write a whole dictionary I'd have arranged for a constant feed. Gimme the gas mask.) No further defining info under hemp or marijuana. Also, is it truly an herb... or a weed? Anyone? GJ [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 09:50:44 PT runruff That's ok. I don't look forward because I never know what might happen and I am more then happy with this month. The high hits means people are reading and paying attention. PS: Just for the heck of it I decided to put Easy Rider on to listen to today. You can't help but grin when you hear Don't Bogart That Joint My Friend. I sure appreciate Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper for doing that movie many years ago. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by runruff on May 02, 2005 at 09:37:44 PT: FoM Gee, I must have been projecting totals for May.It will happen. Namaste [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by schmeff on May 02, 2005 at 09:33:48 PT OverwhelmSam re comment #24: You asked for feed back....my two cents-I don't accept the propagand/demonization the marijuana is a drug. I'm really not even crazy about the word marijuana...but I'm convinced there is a huge population of lunkheads in this country who wouldn't even know what you were talking about if you mentioned cannabis.So maybe like this: "Marijuana is one of the safest recreational 'drugs' in the world. Shouldn't it be legal?"If marijuana is a drug, so are rose petals (I smell them, they make me happy, I experience scentual euphoria.) [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 09:11:37 PT runruff Thank you for saying something nice about my husband. There is no one but him that helps me keep going day after day. If he didn't work hard to pay our bills I wouldn't be able to volunteer my time to do news. I just want to mention something too. We don't have that many visitors per day but I can say that we broke a record for April with an average of 133,000 total hits per day. That's up from last years 105,000 total page hits per day. It was over 4,000,000 total hits for this month! Thank you all here on CNews for making my dreams possible.http://cannabisnews.com/stats/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by runruff on May 02, 2005 at 08:38:05 PT: My two cents. Dear rundrewo, I was glad to to read your remark about how you would like to see proof of my claims in post #1. You have a world of info at your finger tips. It's all about what you want to know. A question is the first step to knowlege. All patriotisum is based on perveted history.I realize that this great web site is read by about 155,000 people per day. I expect some percentage of this great audiance will dissagree with me. Some of you may even get mad at me for some of the things I have to say. Well I never make anything up. I only share what I've picked up elsewhere and myself find believabe. I'm like ol' Ripley, You can believe it or not.Painwithnoinsurance, Im glad that you have joined us. I see that you are learning much and no doubt have much to share. That is what I believe this web site is all about.Thanks again FoM and to your husband too. There is no way you could have something this big in your life without affecting him as well.P.S. Rundrewo, I don't usally do this because I'm very busy and the time I do spend here I like spend perusing or spouting. But a couple of places you might go are: Andrew Wiel Phd. Professer at Arizona state. He is a friend of a friend of mine. He has written many books and has a web site. Paul Stamitts or Stammits. Written many books. Then there is the library of congress on line. Read personal correspondences of the founding fathers. Ther is plenty more but this would be a good start.namaste. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 08:30:26 PT Just a Note I reposted this Hemp related article because some links didn't work and I removed comment 26. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on May 02, 2005 at 08:27:55 PT Boston Herald: Cool Hemp and Eco Friendly Article Hug a Tree and Kiss The BrideBy Mary Jo PalumboMonday, May 2, 2005***Borrowed and blue are out. Today's bride is tree-friendly and green. Nuptial vows are being exchanged with an environmental flair these days, as couples opt for recycled invitations, hemp wedding attire and organic foods. ``We're seeing more and more interest in green weddings,'' said Mindy Pennybaker, editor of The Green Guide, an environmental newspaper. ``Young people getting married today are moving in a new direction. They want to make a difference in whatever little way they can. They want to make an investment that won't leave a footprint on the Earth.'' What makes a wedding green? For starters, brides walk down the aisle in gowns made from hemp or organic cotton. ``It's becoming fashionable to purchase eco-clothing,'' said Crystal Miller, a Santa Fe designer who makes wedding dresses from a hemp and silk blend. ``People are becoming aware of the effects of chemicals used in conventionally-processed clothes.'' Hemp is considered an eco-fabric because it resists most bugs naturally and is grown without pesticides, said Miller. And if you thought hemp gowns were just for granola girls, think again. ``The clientele is changing,'' said Miller, whose gowns are featured at And hemp isn't only for the bride. Grooms can purchase eco-friendly jackets and pants at: http://www.ecolution.comSome brides make an eco-statement (and save a few bucks) by purchasing a previously worn gown. Others buy vintage gowns to avoid the chemical finishes that are put on most new gowns today, said Pennybaker. (Check out: http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com to buy or sell your designer dress.) Earth-friendly nuptials are announced with invitations made from handmade, recycled paper and embedded with wildflower seeds. ``People like the idea that the invitation can be planted in the ground,'' said Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese, who designs and sells handmade paper wedding invitations and notecards at http://www.twistedlimbpaper.com & http://www.getconscious.com ``We're getting a lot more mainstream customers. It's not just the barefoot girls who eat organic and ride a bike to work. Now we're seeing 40- and 50-year-old women who want fitted couture dresses.'' And hemp isn't only for the bride. Grooms can purchase eco-friendly jackets and pants at http://www.ecolution.com Some brides make an eco-statement (and save a few bucks) by purchasing a previously worn gown. Others buy vintage gowns to avoid the chemical finishes that are put on most new gowns today, said Pennybaker.Earth-friendly nuptials are announced with invitations made from handmade, recycled paper and embedded with wildflower seeds. ``People like the idea that the invitation can be planted in the ground,'' said Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese, who designs and sells handmade paper wedding invitations and notecards at http://www.twistedlimbpaper.com/``People are oversaturated with low-quality, mass consumer goods,'' said Woodhouse-Keese. ``They want something recycled, and they want to support a small company that is creating something by hand.'' Guests of green weddings go home with favors such as handmade soaps, organic cookies and chocolates, pine saplings or jars of organic honey. Even the table decorations can be environmentally correct with organically-grown flowers displayed in vases made from recycled glass. The Organic Gourmet in Amherst serves up zesty entrees such as goat cheese shitake mushroom strudel and grilled, marinated tofu kabobs for weddings from Boston to New York City. ``A few years ago people (who wanted organic food) were looking at a few not-great-looking carrots,'' said owner Leslie Cerier. ``Now there are so many choices.'' Cerier prepares her wedding entrees with organic wines, chocolates, fish, meats and oils, and seasonal, locally grown organic vegetables, fruits and grains. But beware: What's easy on the Earth isn't always easy on the purse. Green weddings can be as pricey as conventional ones. Handmade paper invitations from Andover Accents sell for $5 each, and Miller's custom-designed hemp-and-silk gowns can cost as much as $2,200. ``Organic weddings are not just earthy crunchy,'' said Cerier. ``Today they're stylish, elegant affairs.''Copyright: 2005 Boston Heraldhttp://theedge.bostonherald.com/lifeNews/view.bg?articleid=81139&format=text [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by potpal on May 02, 2005 at 06:30:50 PT anti food More bs from NZ...http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4498419.stm [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by OverwhelmSam on May 02, 2005 at 03:19:10 PT Campaign for the Legalization of Marijuana I have a theme motto which I think we could use effectively to relay the message to the people and disarm the health and sobriety freaks. Wanted to see what everyone thinks:"Marijuana is one of the safest recreational drugs in the world. Shouldn't it be legal?"Overwhelm Uncle Sam [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 21:44:44 PT Hemp Ever since I saw The Emperor of Hemp I have been interested in this subject. I know that we are killing our earth. We have abused and misused it and it just keeps trying to sustain us. I don't know how anyone can not be aware of the trouble we are in. Hemp would be a good beginning because of all of its uses. We have many political people who are right wing christians and they don't worry about the earth because they are leaving this planet when Jesus returns they believe. We were told to care for the earth and bring it into submission but we were never taught to abuse it. We are paying the price too. Diseases are getting more exotic and our food isn't safe like we trusted it was. Growing Hemp would be a good beginning for many people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 01, 2005 at 20:14:46 PT I Am So Interested In This Hemp Issue I can't believe all of the claims about this plant. Can they be true? The health claims alone are so intriguing. If you look at the nutritional values listed on all hemp foods, it is almost not believable. This is why I eat hemp everyday and hope for better health for myself--besides liking it. Sure I want better memory, sure I want better digestion, sure I want to be less fat, sure I want to be regular everyday, sure I want to be strong with the complete protein hemp has to offer, sure I want relief from arthritis. The amount of protein and fiber in this stuff seems unreal. Like Patrick has posted: We are so fat in America while others have no food. Could hemp be the answer with its complete protein and other incredible claims that are so hard to beleive, all done at a cheap price?Oil is destorying this earth like no one has ever seen before. Global warming is a night mere we are all suffering from. The earth is getting so full of insects that they are changing everything including the exstiction of animals. Mosquitoes are breading longer due to the climate being warmer and warm seasons being longer. Those who cheat humanity for profit and power are hurting everyone even themselves.Disease is getting worse and worse. It certainly doesn't help when no one can get or can afford to get medical help for infectious diseases. They just walk around passing their germs to others and they get sick too. This is so ubiquitous in this country and all around the world.If hemp really does hold such a promise of stopping or even reducing global warming then the time is now to try to do anything and everything we possibly can to stop this global suffering and night mere as soon as possible. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by runderwo on May 01, 2005 at 19:31:07 PT SGA That SGA article was so stupid. When you argue from the assumption that there can be nothing positive about using cannabis, and at the same time ignore the idea of self-determination and freedom of choice, yes cannabis use is completely indefensible. To anyone who honestly examines the debate, the issue is far deeper than "we should not encourage illegal activity". NORML's statement means that its mission is to defend the right of a minority, responsible cannabis users, to privately engage in an activity which causes no harm to others. It is not about encouraging or discouraging anything, it is about the rights that free people have.I would like to see proof of the claims made in post #1 (GW et al smoked cannabis and used psychedelic mushrooms). [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Dankhank on May 01, 2005 at 19:14:37 PT What if cops cared nothing about the smell of pot? OT ...a tear-jerker all about what ifs ...What if cops didn't go beserk when smelling marijuana?"Now, months later, Adrian and Amy had a rare opportunity to patrol together.At 10:48 p.m., the rookies spotted a Chrysler in an alley off 12th Street, between Chicon and Poquito streets. Two people were inside. A man and woman stood outside at the driver's door.Valdovino smelled marijuana.He flipped on the patrol car's flashing lights and pulled up behind the Chrysler. He walked to the passenger's side door, while Donovan went to the driver's door and started asking the man and woman outside what they were doing. The man began backing away. Then he ran."http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/state/11538730.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Patrick on May 01, 2005 at 18:03:26 PT very ignorant or totally insane. Mayan you nailed it right on the head…What kind of message does it send to outlaw a plant just because it resembles another plant that has never killed anyone? It sends a message that the prohibitionists are either very ignorant or totally insane.I discovered hypocrisy by at least the age of 13-14 maybe even sooner? I wonder if the children of today see the hypocrisy of today’s prohibitionists when they are taught and told to be “drug free” but then they are given and told to take their medicine. Kids always ask why….Why is Angela Raich considered a criminal for growing her medicine herself and the makers of Prilosec and other drugs get rich by charging over 69,000 % profit for the cost of ingredients in their medicines huh? Isn’t price gouging a crime daddy? And daddy why does the news man on TV say Americans are getting fat while the fat blonde lady says that children are starving in many parts of the world huh daddy, why is that daddy, don’t we have enough food? How can we be running outta food and getting fat at the same time daddy? And why daddy oh why does the government let you drink alcohol that makes you act all stupid and maybe can kill you if you drink too much but letting mommy smoke her bowl when she paints makes her a criminal?? Why daddy is it, is it cause the government is very ignorant or totally insane? [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by mayan on May 01, 2005 at 16:29:10 PT More Important? "We just think that it would be sending the wrong message to children. Although we recognize that hemp is not marijuana, there are a lot of people who don’t make that connection, and we think it’s better to just leave this issue alone and move on to issues that are more important."There is no issue that is more important than creating a sustainable society. Hemp will help us solve many of our greatest problems. What kind of message does it send to outlaw a plant just because it resembles another plant that has never killed anyone? It sends a message that the prohibitionists are either very ignorant or totally insane.THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...The Beginning of the End? http://www.serendipity.li/wot/patnode.htmGriffin 9/11 lecture video: http://www.911blogger.com/2005/04/proper-release-of-griffin-in-madison.htmlRegulated Resistance: http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20050430002758978 [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:52:35 PT PainWithNoInsurance I know what you mean. I haven't been to a doctor since 94 and I have some health issues that would make me uninsurable. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 01, 2005 at 11:43:37 PT FOM No health insurance is one of my hotest topics because I have a pre-existing condition and no insurance company will cover pre-existing conditions because they don't want to take on a known expense. I am so mad about it too. America is on its way to having the sickest healthcare in the world [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:41:48 PT The GCW I read that article. Unbelievable is all I can say. He must be very young and probably a republican. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:39:59 PT Sicko I found an article. I don't have any insurance and my husband only does because of the VA. I hope this new movie brings the uninsured into the political realm.http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,12589,1379035,00.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by The GCW on May 01, 2005 at 11:26:49 PT Detached. It Shouldn't Be NORMLhttp://www.hofstrachronicle.com/news/2005/04/28/EditorialopEd/It.Shouldnt.Be.Norml-943955.shtmlhttp://www.hofstrachronicle.com/news/2005/04/28/EditorialopEd/It.Shouldnt.Be.Norml-943955.shtml?page=2 [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:23:54 PT PainWithNoInsurance It seems like the movie will be more about mental health then no insurance but I thought it was on no insurance. If I find a more detail description I'll post it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:21:16 PT PainWithNoInsurance Because your name is what the movie is going to be about.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386032/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 01, 2005 at 11:16:40 PT FOM Why do you say that? [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by ekim on May 01, 2005 at 11:16:34 PT Nicole Parra, wants China to profit not CA. Nicole Parra, a Republican assemblywoman who represents the 30th District in Bakersfield — an agriculturally heavy area akin to the Pajaro Valley.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread11260.shtml Chinese Hemp Industry has Boundless Potential Posted by FoM on November 05, 2001 at 09:01:46 PT Business News Source: People's Daily As world fashion increasingly moves toward simplicity, comfort and health protection, experts point out that hemp, a major economic crop in China, could have great market prospects after the nation's entry into the World Trade Organization. Xia Jingyuan, a senior official with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture in charge of the extension of agricultural technology, said that the annual output of Chinese linen is worth over 10 billion yuan (about 1.2 billion US dollars). According to Xia, the ongoing upgrading of China's agricultural industry has given Chinese hemp a great opportunity. Environmentally friendly, high value-added and versatile, Chinese hemp products could be a major money-maker in market both here and abroad, said Xia. For example, ramie, once used as forage, could provide a new type of vegetable protein for livestock and boost stockbreeding of southern China. Red hemp used in paper making could prevent the felling of forests while clothing made from hemp is particularly comfortable to wear and poses no health hazard. Being one of the earliest fabrics used in China, hemp's heyday can date back 4,000 years when only nobles and royal families could afford to wear finely spun linen while coarse linen were favored by commoners. The production technology of linen has undergone constant improvement. In 1984, the country made a breakthrough in the degumming technology, bringing worldwide attention to linen products. Analysts say that to establish a modern linen manufacturing and processing system with Chinese characteristics, China should double its efforts in scientific research and international cooperation, because each breakthrough in relevant technology will greatly boost the sector's upgrading.Source: People's Daily (China) Published: Sunday, November 04, 2001 Copyright: People's Daily Online Website: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/home.html FB: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/other/feedback.html This is a pdf overview of NREL/Genencor work from 2003. http://www.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/genencor_esp_review.pdfHere is an NREL Press release about Genencor/NREL winning a Top 100 R&D award in 2004. http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2004/3404_technologies_lauded.htmlThere is a lot more information available with a simple web search. Google "NREL genencor" for starters and review the results listing.I think you could get more specific information if you called NREL itself. NREL Public Affairs: (303) 275-4090.http://www.soyatech.com/bluebook/news/viewarticle.ldml?a=20030908-7 Cargill Dow names Genencor its enzyme partner for a biorefinery project Date Posted: 9/8/2003 http://www.thehia.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 11:14:03 PT PainWithNoInsurance You're welcome. I believe that Michael's next movie will be called Sicko. It is going to be about PainWithNoInsurance! [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 01, 2005 at 11:10:53 PT FOM I just send Michael Moore the same message I sent PBS. Thanks for the suggestion. I think it would be interesting to watch a program on the emergence of industrial hemp and how American farmers are being left out of this profitable crop.It never hurts to try. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by GreenJoy on May 01, 2005 at 11:00:05 PT Sends the wrong message... Well...that line certainly is wearing thin with me. With us I'm sure. They use it a lot because all those that have never tried cannabis and just believe what they hear from the govt instantly say to themselves-others, "oh no...the children, we must save the children." It yanks at the heartstrings very effectively albeit contrived and ridiculous. What kind of message does a pill for everything send? What kind of message does a liqour cabinet send? What kind of message does Dads yelling and beating each other up at the little league game send? Could list many more. Gotta go. This society is chock full of awful messages. Marijuana use is not one of them. We have to stop losing the battle of emotional appeal! GJ [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 10:56:53 PT Michael Moore Wants Suggestions Too Sat, 16 Apr 2005 Friends, How's it going? Ready for the next step? Let me know what you've been up to and any ideas you have about what our next move should be (write me at the addresses below). Yours, Michael MooreMMFlint aol.comMike michaelmoore.comhttp://www.michaelmoore.com [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on May 01, 2005 at 10:49:58 PT Media to Inform About What is Right and Wrong The public needs to be informed about the abundant benefits hemp is to everyone. That's why I advise everyone that has a message they think is moral for our population to get the word out there.I emailed pbs.org's Frontline and Bill Moyers programs to suggest doing a documentary about the emergence of hemp and how US farmers are being left out of this cash generating crop.I hope they consider this for a documentory show.Frontline is my favorite show. I loved the one on the war on drugs.I should have suggested one on healthcare cost and insurance in this country too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on May 01, 2005 at 10:34:51 PT Just a Comment Hemp is Cannabis Sativa unless I am totally wrong in thinking that they are one and the same. Species of plants can be bred to produce different things. Like the colors of a tulip or the different sizes and colors of marigolds just as an example. I don't know if the Indica plant is also Cannabis Sativa though. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Hope on May 01, 2005 at 10:03:54 PT Mary Gutierrez, Parra’s spokeswoman, "We just think that it would be sending the wrong message to children. Although we recognize that hemp is not marijuana, there are a lot of people who don’t make that connection, and we think it’s better to just leave this issue alone and move on to issues that are more important."No...they don't "think" at all. And that "wrong message to children" line has got to be wearing out and it's meaningless, to boot. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by runruff on May 01, 2005 at 09:55:41 PT: George Washington grew and so did Thomas Jefferso They also smoked it as well ol' Ben Franklin.Jefferson sent his agents to china to smuggle out some of the emperor's private stash seeds. and that was aginst the law [in China]. They almost lost their lives.This group of free spirites also ate magic mushrooms. And why not? There was no stigma aginst mind expantion in those days. Of course this information is now kept in private archives and must be searched out but it is true.Of course they knew the pleasure of a bowl of "kind". Whats wrong with that?Namaste.P.S. Have you ever seen the high backed chair Washington sat in.? His favorite. At the top of the back is a carving of a sun rising over a magic mushroom. See it for yourself and then tell me it is just coincidence. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment