Hemp has been an agricultural mainstay for many cultures (including ours) throughout history. It can be grown in most climates and soil conditions because it is self-mulching as well as disease- and pest-resistant. Hemp does not require the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. The plant's long roots help to prevent soil erosion and build topsoil. Hemp is an ideal cash crop for small family farms.

Hemp's uses number in the thousands: paper, clothing, cosmetics, building materials, oils, paints, sealants, cereal and animal feed, biomass for fuel, food and beverages, housewares, fabrics, and accessories of all kinds. 10,000 acres of hemp produces more pulp for paper and construction use than 40,000 acres of forestland. Hemp is truly a clean and renewable source of energy.

For more information about hemp, The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer is an excellent resource (available on-line or published by AH HA).

The following websites also have lots of useful information:

• The Hemp Industries Association
• North American Industrial Hemp Council
• The Industrial Hemp Information Network
• Hempseed.com, "the definitive hemp resource"