HempCyberFarm Hawaii

Hemp Cultivation in Hawaii?
The situation in Hawaii: For other articles see events page or answer 20.

Hawaii OK's Marijuana as Medicine

From: The Associated Press, June 15th, 2000

By Ben DiPietro

HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii's governor signed a bill Wednesday approving the possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Hawaii became the first state to decriminalize the use of medical marijuana through the Legislature. Alaska, Washington, California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Maine and the District of Columbia have done so through ballot measures.

Gov. Ben Cayetano said the new law was one aspect of his effort to make Hawaii the health care center of the Pacific.

``I'm glad to see this bill before me,'' he said. ``My own feeling is more states are going to come on.''

It is against federal law for doctors to prescribe the drug, and the Justice Department is challenging the state laws that let doctors recommend marijuana to patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma and other conditions.

Under Hawaii's law, patients with certain qualifying illnesses must obtain a doctor's recommendation to use marijuana and must register with the state Department of Public Safety to avoid criminal prosecution.

The department first must come up with rules to govern the registration process, and Donald Topping of the advocacy group Drug Policy Forum estimated that could take up to two months.

``It will allow patients who have been using marijuana to do so without fear or prosecution,'' Topping said. ``There are a number of people who would like to use it but have hesitated because of the illegality of it.''

Between 500 and 1,000 people in Hawaii will be eligible to use medical marijuana, although the exact number is hard to discern because some people keep quiet about their use, Topping said.

On the Net: Hawaii Legislature: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov

Marijuana Policy Project: http://www.mpp.org

Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii: http://www.drugsense.org/dpfhi

AP-NY-06-14-00 2052EDT

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Hawaii Becomes First State to Plant Industrial Hemp

From: "Sam H. Clauder II" <cair.sam@att.net>
Subject: Hawaii Becomes First State of the Modern Era to Plant Industrial Hemp
Date: Monday, December 13, 1999 1:55 PM

Today, Tuesday, December 14, 1999, a seed of hope has been planted in Hawaii.

Hope that our children will have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Hope that our grandchildren will have tall redwoods and giant sequoias to admire. Hope that the greatest source of protein on this planet may someday soon be available on supermarket shelves throughout the nation. Hope that all farmers in America will soon be able to harvest this marvelous crop and, in so doing, preserve their families, homes, lifestyles and businesses.

This is truly a watermark day for environmentalists, economists, farmers, Industrial Hemp businesses, and especially for all those selfless, dedicated individuals who continue working, sometimes in the face of greatest adversity, to renew the legal status of Industrial Hemp!

It is our faith, and the faith of our forefathers who grew Industrial Hemp for millennia before us, that this seed of hope, planted today, shall mature into a harvest of goodwill, good fortunes, good diet, and good sense for all humanity.

We celebrate your exercise of this very special privilege!

As this Holiday Season approaches, we have great reason to be thankful! Thank You, Representative Cynthia Thielen! Thanks You, Alterna! Thank You, Hawaii!

Truly, today, you have done God's Work!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 1999 Alterna Applied Research Laboratories Kimberlee Mitchell Public Relations Director 310/824-2508, ext. 258

DEA PERMITS HAWAII TO PLANT INDUSTRIAL HEMP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. SINCE WWII HAWAII BECOMES MENTOR STATE IN CAMPAIGN TO FARM INDUSTRIAL HEMP IN AMERICA

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 1999--Hawaii makes American history as the first industrial hemp seeds are planted in U.S. soil since the crop was banned after World War II.

Hawaiian Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano will host the historical hemp seed planting ceremony at the Alterna Hemp Research Project agricultural plot in Whitmore Village on Oahu on Dec. 14, 1999, at 10 a.m. (Hawaiian time).

Hawaiian Hemp's Political History

After three years, the dedication and tenacity of Hawaii State Representative Cynthia Thielen paid off last May when the legislation to conduct the research needed to initiate the recovery of the industrial hemp crop in the United States passed in Hawaii. Governor Cayetano signed the industrial hemp bill into law and the political minutia building up to the seed planting again ensued.

"The project was made possible by a $200,000 grant from hemp shampoo maker Alterna's Professional Hair Care Products," explained Thielen. "Due to Alterna's financial support, the construction for the facility for the one-quarter acre industrial hemp plot began."

Built exactly per the strict requirements set forth by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the one-quarter acre is surrounded by chain length fencing with razor wire top, and a 24-hour infrared security system. Construction was completed in September, allowing for the state permit application to be submitted. The state permit issued in October and the federal permit application was submitted promptly to the DEA.

With the guidance of Thielen hot on the Fed's heals, the final and most difficult leg of the now four-year conquest was granted to Hawaii a month later. Hawaii is currently the only state in the United States to obtain permission from the DEA to grow industrial hemp following WWII.

Cayetano said, "My administration supports stimulating Hawaii's economy and keeping our agricultural lands productive. Industrial hemp could meet both of these objectives."

Plight of American Farmers

Hemp farming is of integral importance to Hawaii as the state's economy is still suffering from the loss of its main export, sugar cane. Hawaii also has the dubious national distinction of 17.6 percent unemployment rates on one of its islands. Thousands of farmers across the nation are also suffering from the declining profitability of crops they produce.

Farmers have a dearth of options. The dilemma of the American farmer is aggravating for Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative president, Andrew Graves, who spearheaded the lawsuit filed against the DEA last year, in an effort to allow Kentucky tobacco farmers the right to grow industrial hemp in lieu of their diminishing tobacco crops.

"It makes no sense that the same government that encouraged and paid my father good money to grow hemp 40 years ago during WWII, is restricting me from saving my ailing tobacco business by forbidding me to grow the exact same plant."

Despite the domestic demand for hemp products, American businesses are still forced to import hemp from any one of the 29 industrialized nations that grow the crop. All members of the Group of Seven Industrialized Nations permit hemp cultivation except one -- the United States.

Which State is Next?

During the past three years, 22 states have approved some form of legislation or resolution supporting industrial hemp, including California, Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Maryland, Iowa, Vermont, Tennessee and Montana, to name a few. Like Hawaii, North Dakota and Minnesota legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp in spring of 1999 and aim to plant seeds in spring of 2000.

Due to the dedicated efforts of Campaign for Agricultural and Industrial Renewal (C.A.I.R.), California's effort to renew the legal status of industrial hemp, California is making great strides for the hemp cause.

The California Democratic National Party adopted a resolution supporting hemp at its state convention in March of 1999, which is the first time in history that a major political party has embraced industrial hemp. In addition, the California State Assembly approved a resolution supporting industrial hemp in September.

Industrial Hemp Research

Although this small one-quarter acre test crop will not reap economic benefit for Hawaii immediately, it will, however, provide a forum for scientists to provide research to prove that large-scale hemp crops will be a financial boon to the struggling Hawaiian economy in many ways.

Esteemed plant geneticist David West, Ph.D., one of very few plant breeders in the United States actively involved in reestablishing industrial hemp, directs Alterna's hemp seed variety trial research in Hawaii.

"This is a huge step for Hawaii and the U.S. as a whole. Once the DEA removes its restrictions on growing industrial hemp freely outside of the test plot trials, the vast economic and ecological benefits of this plant will make themselves known to American farmers."

Why Industrial Hemp?

Industrial hemp is more versatile than the precious soybean, the mainstay cotton plant and the reliable Douglas fir, combined. There are more than 25,000 different uses for this non-drug wonder plant. Hemp thrives in any climate, grows rapidly, and is resistant to disease and insects, which eliminates the need for pesticides or herbicides.

Due to no chemical use during cultivation, the soil and groundwater is left untainted, making hemp an excellent rotation crop. Harvest time is a mere 60 to 90 days after seed planting, allowing for several crops to be grown in a season.

Dollars speak the loudest, however, and the exceptional global resurgence of hemp bears witness to the powerful commercial potential of this crop. As permitted by GATT and NAFTA, millions of dollars worth of industrial hemp material is imported every year, regardless of the fact that American farmers are fighting to diversify the ailing farm industry with it.

Worldwide hemp sales figures were only a few million dollars in 1993 but in 1997 sales surpassed $75 million and sales for year 2000 are projected to be in the billions. Carpet, car parts, hemp-reinforced plastics, building materials, nutritional food products and personal care products, like Alterna's hair care line, are only a few of the hemp-based products already in the marketplace.

Sixty years ago, Popular Mechanics magazine called industrial hemp the "new million dollar crop." If legislation continues to pass across the nation, it's safe to say that hemp will be the new millennium's multi-billion dollar crop.

About Alterna

Since incorporating hemp seed oil into its products as of January 1998, Alterna Professional Hair Care Products has undertaken an aggressive national hemp education campaign, called Learn More, which is designed to dispel myths and misinformation about the marked differences between hemp and marijuana.

Proactive in its approach to educate the nation of hemp's many environmental, economic and cosmetic benefits, Alterna holds fast to two proven facts: hemp is not marijuana and hemp is not a drug.

A consummate education advocate, Alterna conducts industrial hemp essay contests in high schools across the nation, awarding college scholarship funds. The sponsorship of the historical hemp test plot in Hawaii is a demonstration of the company's continued commitment to the hemp movement.

"Alterna feels a responsibility to help support America's farmers and affording them the opportunity to grow industrial hemp for American-made products is our ultimate goal," said Mike Brady, president of Alterna's Professional Hair Care Products. "Funding the test plots in Hawaii is an honor for us and we urge other hemp industrialists to be pro-active and to offer private funding for hemp test plots in states that will follow Hawaii's precedent-setting lead."

- end

From: Rep. Cynthia Thielen repthielen@Capitol.hawaii.gov
To: Matthew@HempWorld.com
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 1999 3:21 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday April 14, 1999

Hawaii's House Hemp Bill passed Senate by 13 to 12 vote.

Hawaii's industrial hemp bill has passed in the Senate and now goes to the House/Senate Conference Committee to work out any differences. No member who voted against House Bill 32 can be on the Conference Committee.

This was the most hotly debated bill in the Senate, and its proponents made excellent arguments in support of its passage. When the Senate Journal is printed (maybe 3 weeks or so), if you want a copy of the transcript, please email Desi and give her your address: repthielen@capitol.hawaii.gov Start your request with "attention Desi".

The Governor supports this legislation and should sign the Bill into law by the end of June or earlier. Hawaii may not beat North Dakota, but we'll be second! And first in our latitude!

Thanks to all of you who helped us pass this momentous legislation allowing seed variety trials of industrial hemp in Hawaii. According to my telephone conversation with the Chief of Operations at DEA in Washington, D.C. this morning, DEA soon should be coming out with revised security measures for industrial hemp that will not be cost prohibitive or as harsh as those for marijuana.

HB32, HD1 passed the House Floor on second reading 2/19/99. The changes in the amended form are: elimination of the appropriation of $100,000 and ability for private industry to do the research. As in the original bill, Federal and State permits must be secured before any research in seed variety trials are conducted.

It now goes to a joint committee hearing in Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs and Public Safety & Military Affairs. The website for this new amended version is: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/hb32_.htm :

Hope this helps.

Aloha

From: Rep. Cynthia Thielen repthielen@Capitol.hawaii.gov
To: Matthew@HempWorld.com
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 3:21 PM

Matthew:

Abstract: REPORT TITLE: Industrial Hemp; UOH Hilo DESCRIPTION: Requires the University of Hawaii at Hilo to study the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production in Hawaii. Establishes the Hawaii Strategic Industrial Hemp Development Act of 1999. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.B. NO.32 TWENTIETH LE

or try: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session1999/bills/hb32_hd1_.htm :

Abstract: REPORT TITLE: Industrial hemp DESCRIPTION: Defines "industrial hemp" Authorizes the State to allow privately-funded industrial hemp research to be conducted in Hawaii when the State department of public safety issues a controlled substance registration, and the U.S. Department of Justice, DEA.

again, the website for Hawaii State Gov. is http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/ It is menu driven and user friendly.

VOICE OF BUSINESS;
INDUSTRIAL HEMP MEANS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR HAWAII
By Representative Cynthia Thielen

What crop can we grow in Hawaii to eat, wear, shelter us, sit, surf or write on, lubricate our bodies and machines, bed and feed our animals, use in paint and varnish and burn for fuel --- and every step of the way provide business and employment opportunities? The answer is industrial hemp, with over 25,000 uses for this versatile and non-hallucinogenic agricultural crop.

When Governor Ben Cayetano recently stated his support for industrial hemp (see above), he recognized that the non-hallucinogenic plant would help Hawaii's agricultural industry. Actually, it will do much more, as companies vie to produce the myriad of products, which can be made out of the plant. Sixty years ago Popular Mechanics called hemp "the new Billion-Dollar Crop." With over 25,000 uses and products, today industrial hemp is truly an entrepreneur's dream.

It's time to get past the "giggle factor" and look at how corporations already are taking advantage of this versatile crop: 100% hemp carpet, which can be fully composted is being produced by Interface, America's largest commercial carpet company; tree-free hemp paper is available from Crane and Co., Inc. and niche paper companies; the Body Shop carries a line of hemp lotions, soap and lip conditioners; hemp beers and ales are winning awards; hemp nut and Hemprella foods are available at Foodland; hemp bio-mass energy sources are being tapped; Ford is using hemp composite automobile parts; Hempstead Co. in California is producing hemp based surfboards, stronger than fiberglass; and international corporations are producing construction materials. With permits this crop can be grown now for research and development in Hawaii without changing the law.

Industrial hemp grows to its 15' - 18' maturity in approximately 75 days, meaning we can get 2-3 crops a year. Neighbor Island and Oahu processing plants can turn crops into a myriad of building materials including 100% hemp particleboard, medium density fiberboard and hemp bricks, resistant to termites. Hemp based plaster and hemp insulation and roofing are simply some of the construction materials already available in Europe. The hemp based construction materials are stronger, non-flammable, waterproof, insect resistant, and more elastic, providing greater protection in hurricanes. Think of the cost benefit when we don't have to import, but can "grow our building materials" on each island.

Industrial hemp has substantial environmental benefits. Hemp is grown with little or no insecticides, fungicides or herbicides. The crop's deep root system aerates the soil. Its rapid growth and dense foliage inhibits weeds. And, of great importance to the agricultural community, Canadian tests showed hemp, used as a rotational crop, dramatically reduced nematodes by 80% in the subsequent soybean crop.

Is there a demand for hemp products? Yes, and it's increasing rapidly. First, look at the growth in acreage. In just the last seven years, cultivation of industrial hemp in Western Europe has quadrupled to meet the demand. The retail market similarly is booming. United States gross retail sales of hemp products are climbing from $50 million in 1996 toward the $100 million mark due to consumer interest.

A recent economic analysis looked at economic benefits for agricultural areas. The College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky report titled, "Economic Impact of Industrial Hemp in Kentucky," disclosed dramatic results. In one rural area scenario, the authors conclude that 771 full-time equivalent jobs would be created with $17,600,00 in worker earnings. John Gilderbloom, Ph. D. in the foreword to the report states: if one-fourth of Kentucky's 90 agricultural counties entered the industrial hemp business, then approximately 17,348 jobs would be created with worker earnings up to $396 million. Other than with two tobacco crops, the Kentucky report concluded returns will be greater for industrial hemp than for any other crop. Extrapolate to Hawaii this vast potential of industrial hemp to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Maybe this is why political commentator Dan Boylan in MidWeek advised the governor to try hemp to diversify the economy.

Why is there opposition when thirty industrialized nations (including Canada, England, France, and Germany) permit it to be grown? Why is there opposition when hemp was an important crop from the founding of our Nation (and accepted as payment of taxes in colonial America) up through World War II and until the late 1950s? We all know about government regulations and what they can do to hurt businesses. As the federal government moved to control marijuana, it failed to distinguish in its regulations between hallucinogenic Cannabis and the non-hallucinogenic Cannabis sativa L. industrial hemp. The hallucinogenic element in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Industrial hemp has approximately .03 THC and is non-euphoric, while marijuana has a THC level of 3-20%. Just as a person can't get drunk from drinking mouthwash (which contains alcohol), a person can't get "high" from smoking industrial hemp or products made from the crop.

The Legislative Reference Bureau contacted law enforcement officials in Canada, Germany, France and England to inquire if they had experienced problems since industrial hemp crops were legalized. All responded "no." As the England Drugs Inspectorate branch explained, the two plants are easily distinguished from the ground or air: industrial hemp is 15'-18' tall and is planted densely in close rows, while marijuana is planted as a widely spaced short bush. In addition, industrial hemp is planted using .03 or less THC certified seeds. Those plants will cross-pollinate with marijuana crops, lowering the THC content of the illegal crops' seed. Industrial hemp actually will drive away marijuana growers.

Plans are in progress to plant industrial hemp variety trials in Hawaii in 1999 with appropriate permits to develop varieties for Hawaii's latitude. Further research will be done on hemp's resistance to termite infestation.

For Hawaii, industrial hemp means economic development, a new crop for farmers and jobs for employees in local companies that will be producing some of the 25,000 hemp-based products for local and world markets. The governor is correct that industrial hemp will help our economy. Representative Cynthia Thielen is Ranking Minority Member on the Judiciary, Consumer Protection and Commerce, Energy and Environmental Protection, and Water and Land Use committees.

Do you know more about this? e-mail us at Matthew@HempWorld.com

*Industrial-Hemp has no psychoactive properties following definition of the European Economic Community (EEC); THC content is less than 0.3%. In general, low THC-seed varieties without psychoactive properties are those that have a THC content of less than 1%. (See also No-THC Hemp-seed.) THC= Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol.