HEMP AND THE RULE OF LAW

It looks like the old adage "necessity is the mother of invention"
may bear fruit (or gas) when it is applied to our current energy
crisis. In fact, one "alternate energy" source is already generating
considerable interest in Canada, North Dakota and North Carolina. "It
could end our dependence on fossil fuel," said Jack Herer, author of
the book, The Emperor Has No Clothes. "It could be enough to run
America virtually without oil."

We are talking about hemp, a plant originally grown throughout the
world for its strong fiber. Its cultivation has been prohibited in
the United States since 1937 due to its resemblance to marijuana -- a
resemblance that Herer says has led to the erroneous belief that the
plant is a narcotic. At least, the non-toxic strain that is currently
being cultivated in Canada doesn't contain enough THC to produce a high.

A growing number of North Carolina tobacco farmers see hemp
cultivation as a means of replacing the revenue that they have lost.
That is, if they are allowed to grow it. At the present time there is
a healthy movement to legalize hemp. Naturally, our state's
politicians are cautious since the movement could be interpreted as
the first step in legalizing marijuana.

This controversy has attracted the attention of filmmaker Kevin
Balling at Appalachian State University. Working around his schedule
as a video production teacher, Balling has produced a documentary
film that may have an impact on agricultural policy. At the present
time, the film, "Hemp and the Rule of Law," is available to any group
that is willing to make a donation to votehemp.com, a crop advocacy
organization.

In a recent interview with Scott Nicolson at the Watauga Democrat in
Boone, Balling discussed his two trips to Canada where hemp
production has started again. He also interviewed politicians, law
enforcement agents and drug enforcement staff. The filmmaker
concluded that the future of hemp cultivation in North Carolina is
presently stalled by political and moral disputes.

Balling sees this dilemma as a thwarted opportunity to enrich this
region's economy and bring about significant changes in our current
fuel crisis. In addition, his research indicates that hemp has
multiple uses. "The stalk can be used for fiber and the seeds can be
used for food, oils, cosmetics and body products." Hemp has been used
as petroleum replacement, "not just as source of biodegradable fuel."
In addition, the fiber can be used in the making of plastics,
creating biodegradable appliances and cars. Balling adds that "37
percent of automotive bodies in Europe are made of hemp."

Hemp and the Rule of Law is packed with significant factual data. For
example, Balling's research indicates that hemp is an ideal crop for
mountainous regions, and it grows well in a variety of climates and
soils. However, successful cultivation will require planning and
education. Balling foresees a series of small processing mills
located near hemp fields in order to order to reduce transportation
costs. However, before successful production can be established,
attitudes must change.

(Gary Carden is a writer and storyteller who lives in Sylva.