Hemp has been through a lot in the U.S. from being a colonial farming staple to getting banned, and now making a major comeback. It’s been woven (literally) into our country’s history for centuries, used for everything from rope to clothing to wellness products.
Today, hemp is legal agai, but to really appreciate how far we’ve come, let’s take a stroll through hemp’s wild journey in America.
The Early Days: Colonists and Their Hemp Obsession
Back in the 1600s, hemp was kind of a big deal. Colonists weren’t just encouraged to grow it they were legally required to in places like Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Why? Because hemp was crucial for making ropes, sails, and clothing. Basically, if you wanted ships to sail and people to have sturdy clothes, you needed hemp.
By the 1700s, hemp was fully embedded in American agriculture. It was a go-to crop for farmers, and guess what? We’re still carrying that torch today.
Hemp Gets Banned: The Bummer Years
As much as America loved hemp, things took a turn in the 20th century. Enter: The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 the first major law to slap restrictions on cannabis, including hemp. It didn’t outright ban it, but the taxes and red tape made growing hemp a nightmare.
Then, in 1970, the Controlled Substances Act lumped hemp in with marijuana as a Schedule I drug (aka: “dangerous and useless” according to the government). This was especially wild because hemp contains barely any THC, but that didn’t stop the full-blown crackdown.
The Comeback Begins: Hemp Fights Back
Fast forward to 2014, and hemp finally started to make a comeback. The Farm Bill of 2014 allowed universities and state programs to grow hemp for research. It was a baby step, but a big one.
Then, the 2018 Farm Bill changed everything - hemp was officially removed from the list of controlled substances and made completely legal to grow and sell (as long as it has less than 0.3% THC).
That’s when we said hallelujah and took advantage of Oregon’s perfect climate for growing hemp and making premium products. The industry has been booming ever since.
Hemp’s Early Economic Power & Why It’s Still a Big Deal
Back in the day, hemp was an economic powerhouse. Farmers loved it because it was resilient, easy to grow, and super useful.
Today, hemp still plays a major role in the economy. From wellness products to sustainable building materials, its versatility is what makes it a modern-day must-have.
The 21st Century Hemp Boom & Challenges
Even with hemp’s comeback, there are still hurdles:
Despite all this, we keep on keeping on and continue pushing forward, offering premium hemp products while keeping the industry growing (literally).
Hemp Today: So Much More Than a Plant
Hemp isn’t just some historic crop - it’s the future.
Hemp is a sustainability superstar. It grows quickly, improves soil health, requires less water than most crops, and even absorbs tons of carbon dioxide. If you care about the planet (and let’s be honest, we all should), hemp is one of the best plants to support.
The Future Looks Bright
From farms to modern wellness products, hemp has always been a key player in American agriculture. And now, we’re bringing it back in a big way sustainably, responsibly, and with a deep respect for its history.
So next time you pick up a hemp product, remember: you’re not just buying something cool you’re taking part in a centuries-old tradition that’s finally getting the respect it deserves.
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