tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77371613878767998102024-03-07T23:11:16.116-08:00Hemp IndustryImagine if the United States could grow 1 crop that provided the resources to create new industry, supported our economy, created a cleaner, more logical and better world. HEMP is NOT Weed, it IS an industry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-68638817009270808452016-08-02T01:26:00.000-07:002016-08-02T08:46:45.614-07:00Hemp Husbandry<a href="http://www.rexresearch.com/index.htm">rexresearch.com</a>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: #006600;">Hemp
Husbandry</span></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Robert A. Nelson</span></b>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;">Internet
Edition</span></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Copyright 2000</span></b>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH2Husb"></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Chapter
2 <a href="http://hempbasics.com/shop/cms-display/hemp-husbandry.html">Table
of Contents</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp Husbandry</span></b><br />
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">1. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH21">Introduction</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH22">Soil</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">3. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH23">Water</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">4. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH24">Temperature</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">5. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH25">Sowing</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">6. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH26">Cultivation</a></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">7. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH27">Diseases
& Pests</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">8. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH28">Nutrients</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">9. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH29">Cultivating
for Cannabinoids</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">10. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH210">Growth
Stimulants</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">11. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH211">Harvest</a></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">12. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH212">Hempseed</a></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">13. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810#HH213">Apologia</a></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">14. <a href="http://www.rexresearch.com/hhusb/hhusref.htm">References</a></span></b></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH21"></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.1 ~ Introduction</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Antil recommended the cultivation
of cannabis in his <i>Observations on the Raising and Dressing of Hemp</i>
(1777), thus:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp is one of the most profitable
productions the earth furnishes in northern climates... It becomes worthy
of the serious attention of the different legislatures of the northern
colonies, of every trading man, and of every man, who truly loves his country.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"But as the people of America do
not appear, from their present management, to be acquainted with the best
and most profitable method of cultivating and managing this valuable plant,
I beg leave to inform them of some things that may be of advantage to them."
<b>(1)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The anonymous Farmer from Annapolis
also asserted the benefits of hemp husbandry in his
<i>Essay on the Culture
and Management of Hemp</i> (1775):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">" Hemp is one of those plants which
may be cultivated in many different situations, and in almost every different
soil, no plant yielding, in our climate [New England], a crop more certain
or more advantageous.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"A most peculiar advantage attending
the culture of this plant, that it may be repeatedly sown on the same piece
of ground, experience having shown that any dry land... properly prepared
with manure, will produce much heavier crops than the richest fresh lands,
and that the same piece of ground, assisted with a moderate quantity of
manure, will admit of being successively sown, probably to the end of time,
without any diminuation of crops.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"How easy therefore it is in every
man’s power to prepare, even on the meanest ground, a portion of ground
sufficient to raise what is necessary to supply, at least, his family’s
wants? It will not require a fourth, perhaps not a tenth of the ground
necessary to produce an equal quantity of flax...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp also produces a most certain
crop, it being by no means subject to those accidents to which flax is
exposed, from the uncertainty of seasons; rain, it is true, is necessary
at the time of sowing, and it will indeed be something extraordinary if
there doth not happen, during the course of ten weeks (for so long the
season for sowing Hemp continues) a shower sufficient for this purpose,
for its vegetation is so quick, that, in a very few days after it is sown,
its leaves entirely cover and shade the ground, protect it from the scorching
sun, enable it to retain the moisture, and prevent the seeds of the common
weeds from sprouting. From this time the dews alone will prove sufficient
to bring it to perfect maturity, and, indeed, heavier crops are produced
on ground highly manured, in dry seasons, than in over wet years.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The more we consider the nature
and properties of hemp, and reflect how happily it is adapted to our climate
and soil, the more reason there is to wish that the inhabitants of these
colonies would avail themselves of its advantages...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Nothing is wanted but the countenance,
example, and encouragement of people of influence; and docility, attention,
and industry in the poor...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Now Hemp does not require half the
rain that flax does; this is a circumstance that is well worth the notice
and attention of every farmer; and therefore by his raising Hemp... he
can with greater certainty supply all the necessary uses for his family;
and by selling the overplus, he can purchase such things as his wife and
daughters may think convenient on extraordinary occasions. This however
need not hinder him from raising some flax every year. But I think that
it is more for his interest to fix his chief dependence upon his crop of
Hemp, as that is more sure, and in every way more profitable, the general
run of seasons considered...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"From experience, then, we have reason
to despair of raising flax in sufficient quantities to answer all our demands...
A total neglect of flax is not intended to be recommended; where it succeeds
tolerably, let the raising of it be continued, but the author hopes to
be able to show, that, where the cultivation of flax cannot be carried
on to advantage, Hemp may be substituted in its room, and will effectually
answer, especially in coarse manufactures, every purpose to which flax
hath been applied... Beneficent nature, which has made this plant so usefully,
hath also most indulgently suited it to almost every climate, as well as
to every sort of soil.<b>" (2)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Timothy Painne, who edited M. Marcandier’s
<i>Treatise
on Hemp</i>, was confident that his fellow Americans would be pleased to
grow more of the crop once they learned of its many benefits. That seed
of hope remains viable today:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"If they apply themselves to the
cultivation of Hemp, and carry to perfection the methods of preparing it,
what resources will they not find, in employment so profitable, and at
the same time so easy? For to consider only its common qualities, it must
be acknowledged, that it is a commodity absolutely necessary. The use of
it extends to almost all the purposes of commerce and of life. There is
no state nor condition that can be without it. The very person who cultivates
it, is the first to make use of it for cloathing, and of all his labours,
this is often the only fruit which he retains. There is a singular kind
of circulation in this commodity; nothing that bears a near resemblance
to it is to be found in the other productions of life. The more it is used,
the more you increase its consumption. The cultivation alone is a labor
that requires inhabitants, and the consumption of it serves to maintain
them. In the different methods of preparing it, young men and women, old
men and children, find employment, in proportion to their strength and
ability. Some find business in preparing the ground and sowing it; others
pull the Hemp, and water-brake it; others make ropes or cloth; all of them
join in the consumption, and make use of it; and every one jointly and
severally contributes to renew their work."<b> (3)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">John Bordley assures us likewise
in his discourse on <i>Hemp </i>(1799):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"If the ground be good and well prepared,
no crop is more certain than Hemp sowed in time and when the soil is moist.
But, how uncertain is the tobacco crop! Failure of plants from frost, drought,
or fly; want of seasonable weather for planting; web-worm, horn-worm, buttening
low, for want of rain, curling or trenching, from too much rain; house-burning
or funking whilst curing; frost before housed; heating in bulk or in the
hogshead, inspection, culling, &c. Cultivating tobacco cleans, but
exposes the soil to exhalation and washing away. It is only about a month
that it shelters the ground: but Hemp shades it from May ‘till about the
first of August...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"A planter gaining 20 hogsheads of
tobacco from 20 acres of ground, value 600 dollars, might expect 12,000
or 16,000 lbs of Hemp from the same ground, value 1,000 or 1,200 dollars.
But, if the income from Hemp should be a fourth less than from the tobacco
crop, yet I would, on several accounts, prefer the hemp culture." <b>(4)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edmund Quincey also offered his personal
assurance to American farmers in a booklet on <i>Hemp</i> (1799):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"It may be expected, that, in the
common way of [broadcast] sowing, an acre of good land will produce 7 or
8 bushels, but in the horse-hoeing or drill method, 10 or 12 bushels, and
sometimes more. This makes the female Hemp more valuable than the male:
and this must continue to be the case for some years in America, while
this branch of husbandry is growing, as the American seed, may be more
certainly depended on, than any from Europe: and indeed every husbandman
who finds he has encouragement to encrease the quantity of his Hemp soils,
will annually find a want of the greater part of his best seed, especially
in a new country, abounding with so much suitable land for raising hemp,
as these American colonies do; for which reason, the Farmer may for some
years, almost assure himself, that what seed he can spare will produce
him near the same price which he pays for the seed he purchases to begin
with: this I mention as a considerable inducement for him to begin upon
this profitable branch of husbandry, and am persuaded, he will see the
observation to be just..</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When he is told, that the same acre
of land will yield him an equally good crop of Hemp, the third year, in
case he plows it up as soon as the crop is pulled, and cross-plows it in
about three weeks later; and will afford it a summer fallowing, and twice
or thrice plowing the following year: I presume the Farmer will be inclined
to make the experiment, altho’ only upon a quarter of an acre, which I
heartily recommend to him; and sincerely wish him success."
<b>(5)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Thomas Jefferson determined that,
"A hand can tend 3 acres of hemp a year." About 20 man-hours per acre are
required to produce a crop of hemp. The operations are: plowing, disking,
harrowing, seeding, rolling, reaping, bundling, spreading, picking-up,
breaking, hackling, baling, and transporting.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">David Marcus compared hemp and three
other crops in his study of <i>Commercial Hemp: An Economic Justification
</i>(1997).
He showed by comparison to canola, grain corn, and spring wheat, that hemp
is by far the most profitable crop of choice:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"I estimate that growing for seed
and fiber will generate long term combined revenues of $244-430/acre. The
total expected costs of growing hemp for seed are $237/acre; even in a
'worst case' scenario, a minimum return of $7.25 is expected... This is
slightly better than the expected return from spring wheat... The median
expected hemp yields and prices generate expected returns which are more
than double the next best crop, Ontario canola, and the highest estimates
(which still should be considered conservative) are really quite exceptional
compared to the other crops... Currently, hemp oil sells wholesale for
approximately $38.50/kg. At an extraction rate of 25% and seed yields of
0.3-0.5 tons/acre, an acre of seed pressed for oil will gross C$2900-$4800."
<b>(6)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In comparison, spring wheat and canola
cost $102.48 and $108.02/acre respectively. Production costs in Ontario
(1995) were about $5/acre higher. Grain corn cost $202.79/acre, and canola
cost $121.58. According to farmers’ opinions expressed in the
<i>Hemp Commerce
& Farming Report</i> (May 2000; <a href="http://www.hemphasis.com)/">www.hemphasis.com</a>),
hemp grain must sell for about 35 cents/lb to be competitive with soy or
flax.</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Table 2.1 ~ Economic Profitability
of Hemp for Seed & Stalk vs. Other Crops</span></b>
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<blockquote>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Table 2.2 ~ Approximate Production
Costs ($/Acre) in Saskatchewan (1996)</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">(Adapted from Gordon Reichert, Publication
#60, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture)</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.2 ~ Soil</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">It is imperative to analyze soil
samples before commencing to sow hemp. Tests should be performed to determine
pH, levels of organic matter, and macro- and micro-elements. Soil pH should
range between 6.3 to 7.8, and it should contain at least 3.5% organic matter
(more is better). Phosphorus should be at least >40 ppm, potassium >250
ppm, sulfur >5000 ppm, and calcium <6000 ppm. The ratios of elements
also should be determined. For example, high levels of calcium bind phosphorus
and make it unavailable to the plants --- a problem that can be avoided
by testing the soil.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp should not be sown on spring-plowed
sod. The plowing depth should be about 8 inches so as to give a deep bed
for root development. Less than 6 inches of plow-depth gives much lower
yields. The land should be given a deep plowing in the fall so the winter
weather can crumble the soil. After the field is furrowed, the topsoil
is packed and smoothed with a ring roller. It must also be smoothed finely
with a disk harrow in the spring. If the topsoil cracks open after sowing,
the cracks must be cleared away with a hoe or roller.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The timing of fall plowing significantly
affects the overall yield of the following hemp crop: the sooner, the better.
Late plowing reduces yields by as much as 30%.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The USDA
<i>Farmer’s Bulletin</i>
No. 1935, entitled "Hemp", was issued to farmers in 1943 to initiate them
to the subtleties of hemp cultivation. The bulletin advises:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp should not be grown on poor
soils. To obtain good yields and fiber of high quality, it is necessary
to have a growth of uniform stalks 6 to 8 feet long. Short stalks, from
poor nonfertile lands, seldom produce a high-quality fiber... [Hemp grows
well in the Corn Belt, but] if land will not produce from 50 to 70 bushels
of corn per acre, it should not be planted to hemp for fiber production."
<b>(7)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">A report by Lyster Dewey in the USDA
<i>Yearbook
</i>(1913)
states:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"On the best farms the crop is cultivated
four times --- twice rather deep and twice with cultivators with fine teeth,
merely stirring the surface."
<b>(8)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">During World War II, the German government
published<i> The Humorous HempPrimer</i> to educate farmers and encourage
its cultivation. Moor land was recommended as proper ground for hemp. That
is true, <i>but only for seed hemp</i>, not fiber crops:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"He who grows hemp in the moor is
carrying on true moor-culture since the options are quite limited: the
moor farmer grows potatoes, cabbage, and some grains as well as corn. Little
else can grow here.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When growing other crops in the
marsh, even if the seeds sprout nicely, the weed growth is extensive. Hacking
and hoeing without rest, as the moisture seeps out, the moor gets dusty
and useless. The farmer’s efforts are constantly hindered by strong weed
growth.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Here the mighty hemp plant enters
as saviour of the moor lands. It grows quick and large and helps cultivate
the lands. Most any crop is happy to alternate with hemp, since hemp’s
shady umbrella forces weeds to their knees. It keeps the moor ground dark,
clean and healthy. Also the moor’s tendency to late rust doesn’t bother
hemp a bit. Even virgin soil in the marsh can yield weak hemp production.
However, when properly drained, hemp performance is quickly improved. In
short, marsh values are increased by sowing hemp!</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">'In many areas, both in mountains
or valleys, hemp removes many inherent weaknesses of the soil if first
one lowers the groundwater level... [to] at least 50 cm [20 in.] below
the surface."<b> (9)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The USDA advised to the contrary
in <i>Farmers’ Bulletin</i> No. 1935:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Muck or peat soils are not recommended
for the production of high-quality hemp fiber. The quantity of fiber produced
per acre on these soils may be very high, but experience has demonstrated
that the fiber lacks strength, which is the first requirement of hemp fiber
for good cordage."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In his
<i>Treatise of Hemp Husbandry</i>
(1775), Edmund Quincey recommended an additional plowing after mellowing
the soil:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The last time the ground must be
plowed in ridges of about six feet wide, flat and even on the top as they
can be laid, with a small interval between each ridge, sufficient for the
pullers to pass, when the male hemp is ready for pulling.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The reason why the ridges are to
be made thus narrow, is for the more convenient pulling of the male Hemp,
which is always pulled several weeks before the female... being sowed in
ridges you are enabled to pull the former, without bruising or otherwise
damaging the latter, which is very prejudicial to the crop."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp loosens, mellows, and shades
the soil, and the fallen foliage forms a mulch that preserves moisture
and bacteria in the soil. The root system decays quickly after the harvest.
Up to two-thirds of the organic matter returns to the soil if hemp is field-retted.
Hemp depletes some humus; nonetheless, it is easier on the land than any
other crops except alfalfa and clover.</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.3 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH23"></a> ~Water</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp requires at least 20-30 inches
of rainfall during the growing period, and irrigation is necessary if precipitation
is less than adequate. Abundant moisture is needed during the germination
period. The absorption of water by hemp increases daily until flowering
begins. Then the uptake of water decreases considerably, with a subsequent
increase occurring at late flowering and during seed formation. In total,
80-130 gallons of water are required to produce 1 kg of dry fiber. Hemp
uses twice as much water in light soil than it does in medium soils. There
is also a significant correlation between soil moisture and cannabinoid
content.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">L. Slonov performed extensive tests
from 1975-1977 to determine the correlation between water supply and ATPase
enzyme activity in hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The optimal water deficit for normal
metabolism in hemp plants was 7-15% of total leaf saturation. Soil moisture
should not go below 80% of total moisture capacity during hemp ontogenesis."
<b>(10)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">USDA <i>Farmers’ Bulletin</i> No.
1935 had this to say about water:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Drought conditions, if accompanied
by high temperatures, appear to hasten maturity before the plants are fully
grown... Hemp requires a plentiful supply of moisture throughout its growing
season, especially during the first 6 weeks. After it has become well rooted
and the stalks are 20 to 30 inches high it will endure drier conditions,
but a severe drought hastens its maturity and tends to dwarf its growth.
It will endure heavy rains, or even a flood of short duration, on light,
well-drained soils, but on heavy, impervious soils excessive rain, especially
when the plants are young, will ruin the crop.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The hemp plants in puddled areas
of a saturated field will be ruined within two days; it is imperative that
the field be well-drained. On the other hand, if the slope of a field is
too steep, precipitation will run off the field before it can be retained.
If excess winter moisture or heavy rains are likely, the field should be
plowed with water-furrows every 30-40 feet, leading to drainage ditches."</span>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Irrigation
</b>---
</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Three-fourths
of the farmland in America could grow hemp up to 15 feet tall if adequate
water was available; irrigation is therefore recommended. G. Kr'stev and
I. Furdzhev conducted a study of the effect of irrigation on hemp; the
yield of dry stems increased by 20%.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The practice of cultivating hemp
under irrigation was developed by George W. Schlichten (inventor of the
decorticator of that name). He published a small treatise on the subject,
providing the following instructions:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The land upon which hemp is to be
grown by irrigation must, of course, be level within the checks, so as
to assure an even and thorough irrigation... [After plowing and harrowing,]
the checks are to be made and they may need some leveling within the checks.
The size of the checks will vary according to the lay of the land and the
volume of water available for irrigation. The checks can be made in the
same manner and of the same size as those for alfalfa."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Before planting the hemp the land
must be thoroughly irrigated, which is best done by making a number of
cross checks within the borders. Within these cross checks the water should
be held until the ground is thoroughly soaked. This insures a perfect seed
bed and an even germination of the seed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"As soon as the land is dry enough
for working it should be thoroughly loosened up by a spring tooth harrow
going lengthwise within the checks...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Referring to a general practice,
the first irrigation of the growing hemp should be given when it is needed,
or when it will do the most good, as the timely first irrigation is, so
to say, the making of the crop, as far as the stand is concerned. The time
to give the first irrigation is when the young hemp plants do not continue
a vigorous growth, or indicate otherwise the lack of moisture in the ground,
whether they are 6 inches above the ground or 2 feet.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"For the experienced grower it is
best that the first irrigation is given as soon as the plants are tall
enough to shade the ground. If irrigated before that time, because of lack
of moisture in the land, the surface of the ground is liable to cake or
harden, and that would necessitate another irrigation about a week or 10
days thereafter, which will bring about that the plants shade the ground.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The land should be level within
the checks and with good solid borders, so there will be no trouble to
irrigate properly and thoroughly, covering every part of the check sufficiently
with water. If borders have to be reinforced or cross-checks have to be
put up by shovel when irrigating, then a certain percentage of the crop
is destroyed, to say nothing of the time and labor that have to be applied.
It therefore pays to prepare the land right before planting.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"No water should be left standing
in the checks, and the ends of the checks must be drained a few hours after
the irrigation, or the end water can be let into the adjoining check that
is to be irrigated next.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The subsequent irrigations usually
follow at an interval of about 2 or 4 weeks, according to the condition
of the soil or weather. The crop must be kept growing steadily and according
to that the irrigations have to be timed. Failure to irrigate when it is
necessary is liable to stunt the crop, and that checks the growing."</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.4 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH24"></a> ~
Temperature</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Tamm determined that hempseed needs
a minimum temperature of 1-2<sup>o</sup> C for germination and emergence.
It should not be sown until the soil temperature rises to 10<sup>o</sup>
C. The optimum temperature is 35<sup>o</sup> C; the maximum is 45<sup>o</sup>
C, at which temperature the seeds sprout within 12 days.Young hemp plants
can survive frost as low as -5<sup>o</sup> C, but the plants will stop
growing even if warm weather follows. The temperature range for hemp growth
is 19-25<sup>o </sup>C (66-77<sup>o</sup> F). Hemp enters into its rapid
growth stage (about 2 inches/day) when the average temperature rises to
16<sup>o</sup> C (61<sup>o</sup> F). If southern varieties of hemp are
grown in northern latitudes, however, the fiber might not attain technical
maturity within 110-115 days, and certainly their seeds will not ripen.
The farmer must consider this when selecting a hemp cultivar for his location.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">C. Richez-Dumanois,
<i>et al</i>.,
studied the <i>in vitro</i> propagation of hemp clones, thus:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Morphological and chemical development
decreased at low temperature and was promoted by a regime of 22<sup>o</sup>
C (daily temperature) and 17<sup>o</sup> C (night) under 24 hour illumination
and 70% relative humidity." <b>(62)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The phenotypic expression of cannabis
is strongly influenced by the temperatures of the soil and air. This effect
can be used to advantage in breeding. C. Nelson conducted such experiments
with these results:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Air 30<sup>o</sup> C/Soil 30<sup>o</sup>
C: Maximum elongation, number of nodes, leaf abscission, and water consumption;
earliest maturation; minimum leaf area; many staminate flowers.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Air 30<sup>o</sup> C/Soil 15<sup>o</sup>
C: Maximum stem weight; minimum plant weight; many staminate flowers.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Air 15<sup>o</sup> C/Soil 30<sup>o</sup>
C: Maximum leaf size, stem diameter and weight; sex reversals from pistillate
to staminate.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Air 15<sup>o</sup> C/Soil 15<sup>o</sup>
C: Maximum leaf area and root water content; minimum water consumption;
latest blooming; many pistillate flowers with sex reversals from pistillate
to staminate.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">During the flowering phase, the optimal
temperature is 16<sup>o</sup> C (61<sup>o
</sup>F) during the critical
night period, and 28<sup>o</sup> C (80<sup>o
</sup>F)during the photoperiod.</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.5 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH25"></a> ~
Sowing</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp may require up to three years
to acclimatize to a new locale. This fact has caused problems for many
new hemp farmers, who expected much higher yields than they actually achieved.
It is recommended that experimental plots of seed hemp be grown to develop
a localized strain before committing to large-scale cultivation. The best
variety must be selected with careful consideration for the differences
in yields of seed and stalk, maturation (early or late), and fiber content,
etc; an error in this wise can result in a shortfall of 30% or more.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The art and science of producing
the finest quality hemp fiber requires that perfect seed be sown at the
proper time in prepared soil. Good hempseed is bright gray and plump, and
has a nutty taste. White seed will not germinate; green seed is unripe,
germinates slowly, and produces weak plants that are smothered by more
vigorously growing hemp. Black seeds have fermented due to improper drying
after harvesting; they taste rancid.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The USDA warned farmers about "lint
seed" (linseed):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In some instances seed is saved
from hemp grown for fiber but permitted to get overripe before cutting.
This is known as lint seed. It is generally regarded as inferior to seed
from cultivated plants. A good crop is sometimes obtained from lint seed,
but it is often lacking in vigor [heterosis] as well as germinative vitality,
and it is rare that good crops are obtained from lint seed of the second
or third generation."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">One bushel of hempseed weighs 21
kg (44 lb). If hempseed is good, at least 95% will germinate, though a
germination potential of 85-90% is considered to be acceptable. The water
content should be about 12%. <b>(11)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">As of 1998, only 44 registered varieties
of hemp exist, and only 32 are available. Such an extremely limited base
could make hemp crops vulnerable to devastating blights. The gene pool
is acclimatized to 45-55<sup>o</sup> N latitude (Europe, Canada, and the
northern states of the USA). The IHA has recommended that tropical germplasm,
which contain high levels of psychoactive THC, be drawn upon for development.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The most popular French varieties
are the monoecious Ferimon-12 and Futura-77, hybrid Fedora-34, and Fedrina-74.
The Hungarian variety Kompolti, bred by the renowned hemp breeder Dr. Ivan
Bocsa, contains 35-38% "technical" fibers, with a maximum yield of 12 tons/hectare
within 115 days. Other available Hungarian varieties are Uniko-B, Fibriko,
and other Kompolti cultivars. They are marketed by Fibro-Seed Gmbh (H-3356
Kompolt, Hungary). The hemp grown in Asian countries are landraces, not
cultivars, and have little economic significance in Europe. In America,
however, Kentucky hemp was developed from a cross of Chinese and European
cannabis. This gene pool has become feral since 1937 and needs to be redeveloped.
Canadian farmers are permitted to grow about two dozen varieties of seed,
including Anka, the first Canadian cultivar.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The yield and quality of fiber is
strongly influenced by the seeding rate. Hempseed is sown at the rate of
at least one bushel per acre, and up to 5 pecks is common. Germination
will be uneven if the seed is planted deeper than 1.6 inches. Shallow seeding
also produces erratic germination.<b> </b>The seeds must not be covered
more than one-half inch deep. Roller disk drills give better results than
tooth drills, and rolling the land after seeding benefits the crop. When
compared to other methods, strip sowing considerably improves all the qualitative
indices of hemp fibers. <b>(12)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S. Losev studied the effects of seeding
rates and methods of sowing hempseed. He concluded:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"With continuous sowing of hemp in
rows spaced at 15 cm, on well-fertilized soil, about 100 kg/ha of 100%
valid seed should be sown (4.5 million seeds). With close-spaced drill
sowing (with the rows spaced at 7.5 cm) the rate must be raised to 120
kg/ha (5.5 million seeds). With a shortage of seeds, and on weedy soils,
sowing should be carried out in close ribbons (22.5 x 7.5 cm) with a seeding
rate of 60-80 kg/ha. This method allows for a single inter-row hoeing."
<b>(13)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Czeckoslovakian hemp breeder
F. Baxa reported these results of his experiments with sowing density:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"On fertile soils greater yields
were obtained when sown in rows 7.5 and 12.5 cm apart. Soils with lower
fertility yielded significantly more stalks and fiber when sown in rows
22.5 cm apart. In both cases a seeding rate of 100 kg/ha proved best."
<b>(14)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Extensive tests have shown that the
best growth of a small crop of seed hemp is achieved when the seeds are
planted in mounds at least one yard apart, at a rate of a dozen per mound
(10-15 kg/ha). When the plants are about a foot tall, they must be thinned
to only 4 or 5 per hill, or one plant per 20 inches. Good stands cannot
be obtained with thin seeding, and good plants cannot be obtained without
thinning. Large crops of dual-use (fiber and seed) hemp are planted in
rows up to 16 inches (40 cm) apart. It is sown at a rate of 12-20 kg/ha
(60-100 plants/m<sup>2</sup>), depending on the row spacing, with 7 seeds
per linear foot of row (20 grams per thousand grain weight). When grown
for seed alone, hemp is sown in rows at least two feet apart with only
two or three seeds per foot. Seed hemp should not be grown more than 800
feet above sea level, because the seeds probably will not mature in due
time, even if it is an early variety. <b>(15)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Anonymous Farmer recommended
this plan for cultivating a crop for its seed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"A far better method is to raise
the seede apart by itselfe, either on a portion of the ground allotted
for the HEMP, or what would be yet more proper, on any good spot that is
convenient for this purpose, which must be reduced into proper tilth...
This ought to be done as soon as the frosts are over, for, provided that
the weather is mild and will permit, the earlier what you intend to raise
seed from is put into the ground the better, not only because the forward
plants bring their seeds better to maturity, there will be time to sow
the ground again.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The season for sowing being come,
the ground should be laid off, either with the plow or hoe, into flat hills,
about 4 feet asunder, in each of these hills, about 10 to 15 grains of
the HEMP seed may be deposited, and as soon as they are sprung to such
a height as to be past danger from frost, or other accidents, the hills
ought to be thinned, pulling up the superfluous stalks, leaving about 8
or 9 plants in each hill... An acre of ground, managed in this manner,
will produce from 20 to 25 or 30 bushels of seed."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Thomas Jefferson noted the following
in his farm journals:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"To make hemp seed, make hills of
the form & size of cucumber hills, from 4 to 6 ft apart, in proportion
to the strength of the ground. Prick about a dozen seeds into each hill,
in different parts of it. When they come up thin them in two. As soon as
the male plants have shed their farina, cut them up that the whole nourishment
may go to the female plants. Every plant thus tended will yield a quart
of seed. A bushel of good brown seed is enough for an acre."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Antil offered these considerations
in his <i>Observations</i>:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>"</i>If you have no convenient
place to sow your seed Hemp by itself, then sow a border of 6 feet wide
along the north and west sides of your Hemp field; the reason of sowing
your seed Hemp in such narrow ridges or borders is that, when the carle
or he Hemp is ripe, and has shed its farina on the fimble or female Hemp,
by which the seed is impregnated, and the leaves of the carle hemp fall
off and the stem grows yellow, you may easily step in along the sides and
pull up the carle Hemp without hurting the female, which now begins to
branch out, and looks of a deep green colour and very flourishing, and
when the seeds begin to ripen, which is known by their falling out of their
sockets, you may all along both sides bend down the plants and shake out
the seed upon a cloth laid on the ground, for as they ripen they scatter
upon being shaken by a hard wind, or otherwise, then it must be watched,
and the fowls... kept from it, for they are immoderately fond of the seed."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Fiber hemp crops are thickly seeded
using a standard grain drill or modified alfalfa seeder, at a rate
of 55-70 kg/hectare (ha = 2.47 acres). The row width should be 4 to 8 inches,
and not more than 10 inches. Field studies have shown that the maximum
yield of dry plant matter is obtained with a seeding rate of no more than
80 kg/ha (70 lb/acre). Excessive seeding will produce hemp of insufficient
height and no value to the farmer. The optimal plant density is about 160
per square meter in nitrogenous soil, up to 260/m<sup>2</sup> in mineral
soil. The percentage of bast fiber increases with the seeding rate. 40-50
kg/ha will yield about 200 plants/m<sup>2</sup> at emergence, self-thinning
to about 140/m<sup>2</sup> at harvest. Tests conducted in 1972 by J. Ritz
determined that there was no influence of stand density on the yield of
stems with 100, 125 and 150 plants/m<sup>2</sup>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Analyses of modern fiber hemp production
in The Netherlands indicate that crop productivity can be improved by earlier
sowing, albeit at risk of suffering from frosts. According to an
idealized crop growth model, sowing on April 15 and harvesting on September
15 should yield about 1 ton/ha of dry stems. Sowing on April 1 would increase
the yield by 2.3 tons/ha. Sowing on April 30 would reduce the yield of
stems by 1.4 tons/ha; sowing on May 15 would reduce the expected yield
by 3 tons/ha.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">At latitudes south of 35<sup>o</sup>
hemp can be planted in any month if there is sufficient moisture to germinate
the seed before solar heat kills it. That can be prevented somewhat if
the seed is covered two inches deep and lightly harrowed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In the USA, at the latitude of New
York City/Indianapolis, hemp can be sown as early as March 25, and harvested
in the last week of June. A second crop can be sown and harvested early
in October. Only one crop can be planted north of 40<sup>o</sup> latitude.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">If the field has been prepared for
irrigation as described by George Schlichten, the following method should
be applied:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The seeding should be done crosswise
over the checks, across the borders and about 10 checks can be seeded at
a time. By seeding across the borders, all the land is made productive
and the stand will be uniform in size of stalks. If the borders are not
seeded, the hemp that grows alongside of same will produce big and branchy
stalks (flange stalks) which make an inferior fiber and therefore reduce
the average quality of the hemp.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"After seeding, the loose and porous
land should be lightly rolled across the checks the same way as the seeding
was done; the heavier and more compact soil should not be rolled, but harrowed
within the checks, that is, parallel to the border, as harrowing across
the borders would reduce their height too much, but the teeth of the harrow
must be set slanting."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">USDA <i>Farmers’ Bulletin</i> # 1935
offers another suggestion:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"A good practice in planting hemp
for fiber production is to sow around the edge of the field next to the
fence a 16- to 18-foot width of small grains, which may be harvested before
the hemp. Space is thus provided for the harvester to enter the field and
begin cutting without injuring the hemp. It also prevents hemp plants at
the edge from growing too rank. Uniform plants are necessary for uniform
fiber quality."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Wind and changes of temperature will
harden the lignin and render the fibers coarse and "harsky" (harsh). It
is important that the stalks grow close together under the shelter of their
foliage, thus creating a favorable micro-climate among the plants.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edmund Quincey recommended this method
of sowing hemp, "as has been very exactly experienced":</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The Farmer being sure of good seed,
and given his ground the last dressing, and thereby laid it as fine and
level, as the border of a garden; the seed must be sown as carefully and
regularly as possible, and as it is very tender, and will bear but a slight
covering, care must be taken, lest by burying too deep, the vegitation
may be prevented. Clods left unbroken with the Harrow and Roller, have
the like effect upon much of seed, in the common method of sowing: Negligence
in this respect has often ruined more than one-third of a Crop; for a great
part of the plants will rise irregularly, and getting bad habit in their
first shooting, the produce will be small.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The preparation of the soil in the
drill way of sowing hemp-seed, is the same, as in the common way. The seed
must be planted in double rows, with ten or twelve inches partition, and
with intervals, for the passage of the hoe-plow, from three or four feet
broad, as the soil may be more or less rich; the richer the soil, the narrower
may be the intervals. The seed must be planted and covered very shallow,
and is not safe in general if covered deeper than about half an inch, unless
in very light soils, in which it may grow at one inch depth.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The seed let into the ground by
the drill is less in danger from birds, because it is all covered; but
yet may be watched to prevent their getting at it very early in the morning,
and towards evening...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When the Hemp is four or five inches
high, the Farmer sends into the field careful laborers with hand hoes,
to cut up weeds which may rise in the partitions; once is sufficient, as
thereby by the Hemp gathering much strength, it will prevent their rising
any more. When the partitions are cleared by the hand hoe, then let the
horse-hoe plow be set to work in the intervals, and with this let all the
ground between the double rows be turned up deep and broke fine. The weeds
will be destroyed by this, and the whole soil made fit to receive the roots,
and nourished for their support. The good effect of this kind of husbandry,
is in no other respect seen more evidently. The fibres of the roots of
Hemp even in the most favorable soils, do not naturally spread, but lie
in clusters about the base of the stock, their numbers answering for their
shortness, but in the horse-hoeing way, the fibres of the plants of the
two opposite rows will meet across, and fill the intervals, and the plant
will flourish accordingly... by this means the ground will be several times
enriched, while the crop is growing... [the soil] will retain so much of
the nitrous quality of the dews and rains, as will render it abundantly
capable of producing several crops, though the soil be but of a midling
goodness... herein the Farmer is supposed to change his partitions each
succeeding year, into the intervals of the past year’s crop, these being
enriched by the hoe-plow cultivation..."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Lionel Slator gave this advice in
his <i>Instructions</i> to farmers:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In the sowing of Hemp, great Care
and Judgment ought to be used, that it be not sowed too thick or too thin:
In the first Case, it would be apt to lodge, and so lose the crop; In the
second, the Hemp will run more to Bunn [coarse] or Straw, than it will
to harl or Skin."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Quincey also noted this:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"It is observed by some Farmers,
that sowing early thickens the harle or coat of the Hemp."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">John Bordley gave notice to this
in writing of his experience with <i>Hemp</i> (1799):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"My hemp never suffered materially
from drought but once, and that of a sowing in May. It was never found
necessary to weed what was sowed for a crop: but only such as was sown
very thin for producing seed. Sometimes seed was saved from the margin
of the field, where the plants had room to branch and were coarse..."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Antil assured early American
farmers that they could prophesy truly if hempseed was sown wisely, according
to his <i>Observations on the Raising and Dressing of Hemp</i>:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The ground being moist as I said
before, but by no means wet so as to clod, which would ruin the crop, and
nothing after that, but too much wet, will hurt it... Whereas if the seed
be sown, when the ground is dry, the seed that lies deepest where the moisture
is, will come up first, and these will shade and starve those that come
after, by which means the first comers will be too large, and the last
will be much too small, so that the crop will be damaged in every way:
So much depends on this one circumstance of sowing the seed when the ground
is moist and fit to receive it."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The anonymous 18th century "Farmer
from Annapolis" emphasized the importance of right timing in sowing hempseed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"It may be necessary to observe,
that as the Hemp which is first sown, provided it does not meet with any
accident, most commonly, yields the heaviest crop... It is however by no
means eligible to sow this seed, till you can reasonably expect that no
danger is to be apprehended from the frost; nor is it by any means proper
to sow when the ground is very dry, or that there is an appearance of a
continuation of dry weather; in either of these cases, it will be far more
prudent to delay the sowing for a little... the first opportunity ought
to be taken to sow the seed, either immediately before a rain, or as soon
after as the ground will admit; sowing before the shower ought to be preferred,
only because the seed will be covered much better and more equally when
the ground is dry, than when it is wet: immediately before sowing, the
ground must be laid level with the harrow, and the best and quickest method
of covering the seed is, either with a short toothed single harrow, or
a bunch of brush, which ought to be dragged once or twice over the land,
and directly after, a wooden roller of 15 to 18 inches diameter ought to
be run over it; when there is only a small piece of ground sown, the seed
may as well be covered with a garden rake..</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"As all kinds of birds, but more
particularly pigeons and turtle doves, are remarkably fond of this seed,
and will, if they are permitted to frequent the ground, destroy great quantities
of it, even during some days after it is sprung up; it is necessary to
keep them off until it has gathered strength, and the leaves become expanded...
No further attention is requisite, until the season for pulling, unless
it is to observe that your inclosure is sufficient to keep out such animals
as might trample or break it."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp was given extensive treatment
in the <i>Fan Sheng-chih shu</i>, a Chinese treatise on farming written
circa 25 BC. Farmers were advised to avoid the <i>ch’en</i> (the 5th in
12) day of the sowing period. Twenty days before being sown, the seeds
were treated by immersing them in a decoction of powdered horse bones,
aconite, silkworms and sheep dung. They were immediately dried in the sun,
then stored carefully, and immersed again just before planting. If horse
bones were not available, melted snow could be used instead:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Snow is the essence of cereals;
it causes crops to be drought-resistant. Always take advantage of winter
to store snow; fill containers and bury them in the ground... If seeds
are treated like this, the harvest will regularly be doubled...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"If you plant hemp too early [the
males] will be hard and rigid, with thick skins and many knots. If you
plant late then the skin will not be hard. It is better to err in being
early than to err in being late."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>Ji Sheng’s Book</i> (Western Han
Dynasty, 206 BC-24 AD), instructed farmers thus:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"If the sowing time is early, the
fiber will be thick and strong and can be harvested early. Otherwise, the
fiber will not be mature. It is better to sow hemp seed early instead of
late...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">" First, soak the seed in water and
sow them as soon as they germinate. Soak the seed in water for about the
same time required to cook... rice. Then spread the soaked seeds on the
bamboo bed for about 3 to 6 <i>cun</i> [inches] in thickness. Stir the
seed several times and after one night they will germinate... Second, in
order to avoid plant diseases and insect pests, hemp should rotate with
wheat, beans, and cereals. Third, different methods should be used with
different soil moistures.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Disperse the sparrows for several
days in order to protect the seeds... When the seedlings have grown for
some time, thin out the weak ones so that... good seedlings can grow well."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The venerable
<i>Qi Min Yao Shu</i>
("Essential Arts for the People", written circa 500 AD) gave these instructions
to farmers:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Generally, male hemp seeds are white.
There are two ways to examine the quality of the white seeds. The first
is to bite a seed with the teeth, and if the inside of the seed is very
dry, it should not be sown. Otherwise the seeds can be sown. The second
method is to put the white seed in the mouth for some time. The seeds that
do not turn black are good."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Farmers in India sometimes soak the
seeds overnight in milk and water before sowing. A traditional Chinese
method of stimulating the germination of hempseed is to soak them in an
aqueous extract of the plant. According to V.E. Sustrina, this also increases
the number of females:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp seeds were soaked at 10-15<sup>o</sup>
C in extracts of dry inflorescences; the percentage of staminate plants
was greatly reduced." <b>(19)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In 1924, Luigi Leggieri described
his experiments with pre-sowing treatments of hempseed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"<i>Confettatura</i>: a dry method
[causes] an organic fertilizer (poudrette, meat powder, bone dust, pulverized
sheep manure, pigeon or chicken dung, etc.) to adhere to the seed. The
adhesion is facilitated by adding the fertilizing materials to clay and
then rolling the seed in this or by the use of gum arabic. Nutritive baths
(immersing the seed in water or in solutions of K-sulfate, ammonium nitrate,
Na-nitrate, dung, etc.) and disinfectant baths (using solutions of Cu-sulfate,
arsenic lime and special preparations) belong to the wet method. Plot tests
with hempseed, previously immersed in water, 1% and 3% potassium sulfate
solutions and 1% and 3% ammonium nitrate solutions for 6, 12 and 24 hour
periods, lead to the general conclusions that (1) the immersion in water
has a favorable reaction, (2) the action of saline solutions varies with
the seed; sulfate solutions act favorably on the hemp seed, (3) the duration
of immersion has a great influence and hence it is necessary to find the
optimum duration for each species.<b> (17)"</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Research conducted by J. Stephan
in 1928 showed that ortho-phosphoric acid will stimulate germination when
used in 1% concentration for 1/2 to 1 hour even in daylight, which usually
inhibits the germination of hempseed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">G. Weeber reported his similar experiments,
thus:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When distilled water was used, germination
occurred at least twice as quickly. A further acceleration was obtained
by using a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide; hemp seeds germinated within
12-24 hours." <b>(18)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hempseed can be induced to sprout
within 12 hours if it is soaked in a solution of Mg-sulfate (0.8 % Epsom
salt) or MgCl and then steamed with ether. Treatment with a 1% solution
result in damage to the seeds. Germination occurs within 10 hours when
hempseed is soaked in Mn-sulfate (1.5%) plus ether treatment, or with Pb-nitrate
(0.5%) without ether treatment. Sprouting takes place within 6 hours when
seeds are soaked in a solution of oxalic acid (1%), with or without ether
treatment. The germination percentage is higher in darkness than in light.
The resulting plants produced up to 88% increase in the dry weight of stems,
and the plants’ height increased up to 26%. The dry weight and height of
the stems varied with formulas of the solutions; therefore this method
can be used to improve plants in a systematic manner. Dry ether alone has
no such influence; it is effective only in combination with the chemical
solutions.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Treatment with carbon dioxide or
ethylene before sowing influences positively the growth, budding, flowering,
and ripening of hemp. Root development, seed production and total yields
also are greatly increased by such treatment.</span>
<br />
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</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.6 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH26"></a> ~
Cultivation</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp intercrops happily with corn,
mustard, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lupine, nettles, hops, and turnips.
Hemp is not compatible with tobacco, spinach, cress, pepperweed, or vetch.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>The Humorous Hemp Primer</i> offered
this encouragement:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">" Hemp is not demanding of prior
crops. It grows well after fruits, vegetables, grasses and grains. Moreover,
shady hemp... does provide the best prior crop, because its tall, wide,
dense growth strangles weeds. After hemp, all grains grow well and without
problems. Also, fruits which follow hemp bring larger crops, as do grasses,
delicate and tender when they lie down in hemp’s bed. In short, anything
sown in hemp’s fields will bring rich harvest and much money."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The USDA
<i>Farmers’ Bulletin</i>
No. 1935 noted:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Old pastures plowed up [in the fall]
are well suited for hemp culture. Fields previously cropped to soybeans,
alfalfa, and clover are excellent for hemp. A good rotation is to follow
corn with hemp, and in Kentucky a fall cereal may follow the hemp.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When planted after fiber hemp, the
yield of winter wheat is often increased as much as 10-20%. This cannot
be done after a crop of seed hemp, because it is harvested late in the
season."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The introduction of hemp as a new
crop into the cycle of crop rotations can help reduce the incidence of
diseases and soil pathogens. Hemp improves soil structure, suppresses weeds,
and is nearly free of diseases and pests. In ordinary schemes of crop rotation,
hemp can occupy the same place as oats or beans. Hemp also responds well
to a preceding crop of wheat, peas, or potatoes, but should not follow
sod, timothy, or small grain. In latitudes below 40<sup>o</sup>, two crops
of early-maturing hemp can be grown yearly, or a crop of hemp followed
by a crop of peas to maintain the fertility and condition of the soil.
Farmers in India plant hemp after millet, rice, indigo, tobacco, or coriander.
Extensive experiments have shown that hemp is the best green manure for
wheat.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Lyster Dewey suggested this scheme
of crop rotation for hemp:</span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<center>
</center>
<i><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">1st Yr
2nd Yr 3rd Yr
4th Yr 5th Yr</span></span></u></i>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">Hemp
Corn Wheat
Clover Grass</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">Hemp
Sug Beet Wheat
Clover Grass</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">
Potatot,</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">
Onion</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">Corn
Hemp
Barley,
Clover</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: black;">
Oats</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S.S. Boyce gave more details in his
book on <i>Hemp</i>(1900):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The rotation kept up by rye or vetch,
hemp, peas, and again rye, gives as perfect a condition of soil as can
be desired. The roots of the hemp decay early, the peas penetrate deeply
and leave the soil porous and supplied with nitrogen and humus; while rye
and vetch keep the soil employed, and the three furnish feeding material
more than paying their cost, while the rotation prevents any cloying of
the soil appetite." <b>(20)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">A failed crop of hemp can be left
to mature and then be burned, but better results will be obtained if it
is plowed under as soon as it is certain that the crop is inadequate for
fiber production. They rot very slowly, so mature stalks and hurds should
be burnt rather than plowed under.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp prefers alkaline soil, and it
will not grow well on soil that previously was overgrown with either sedges
or huckleberry bushes (indicators of acidic soils).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis is one of the best crops
for eradicating weeds because it grows so quickly and suppresses their
growth with its secretions of caffeic, ferulic, benzoic and coumaric acids.
When hemp is planted in a fallow field, it destroys sowthistle, quack-grass,
and cord-grass. Thus it becomes possible to grow two or three grain crops
following hemp, whereas after ordinary summer-fallow, the second crop of
grain usually is badly infested with weeds. The obnoxious bindweed is held
in check by hemp, but the vines must be removed before the hemp goes to
seed. Wild morning glory and bindweed vines will climb up hemp stalks.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">No herbicides are needed when the
spacing is 16 inches or less, because the rapid growth of hemp will suppress
the weeds. With wider spacing, herbicides may be required. Dr. Ivan Bocsa
recommends that monocotyledons be suppressed with Benefin (1 gal/acre of
a 20% solution), applied with disc before sowing. Dicotyledons can be fought
with Maloran (50%, 3 lb/acre), Patoran (2 lb/acre), or Pyramine (5 lb/acre),
applied immediately after sowing. <b>(16)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When hemp is cultivated for seed,
Canada thistles may appear among the stands and must be spudded out manually
while the hemp is only a few inches high. Canada thistle and quackgrass
can be killed completely by one crop of hemp.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis is damaged by broomrape
(<i>Orobanche ramosa, </i>chokeweed), a very short plant with yellowish
leaves and dull purple flowers. Its seeds stick to the calyx of hempseed
and thus are transmitted. Broomrape is parasitic on the roots of hemp,
killing the host before it can mature. Broomrape invades when the soil
has become exhausted, or "hempsick" through neglect. It is prevented by
crop rotation and by clean seeds. An application of calcium carbide to
the soil in the fall effectively destroys broomrape seeds. Ammonium nitrate
and sulfate will drastically reduce broomrape infestation, but these fertilizers
also will affect crop yields. Trisodium phosphate can be combined with
ammonium sulfate for greater effect. <b>(21)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis protects potatoes from late
blight by <i>Phytophtora infestans</i>. When potato tubers are soaked in
a solution of kansatin (extracted from hemp leaves), their germination
is increased, the sprouts are longer and weigh more, and infestation by
<i>Corynebacterium
michiganense</i> and <i>C. sepedonicum</i> is reduced. Infection by stem
nematode also is lowered considerably. Extracts of cannabis effectively
reduce the incidence of the nematodes <i>T. brassicae</i>,
<i>H. indicus</i>,
and <i>R. reniformis</i>, and <i>M. incognita</i>. The whole plant and
leaf extracted in water is generally effective against insect pests.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When treated with hemp leaf extract,
tomato seeds increase their germination by 17% and their yield by 33%.
<b>(22)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When beans are grown together with
hemp, the beans will not become infested with brown spot. Hemp is effective
against infestation of asters by <i>Fusirois</i>, and it protects sugar
beets from turnip fleas, and cabbages from white cabbage butterfly. Cannabis
also guards peas from pea aphis (<i>Acyrthosiphon pisum</i>). Hemp purges
may-beetle (<i>Melontha</i>) from the soil. Weevils cannot become established
in granaries where hemp has been dried.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">C. Kok, <i>et al.</i>, have shown
that the major soil pathogens <i>Verticillium dahliae</i> (fungus) and
Columbian root-knot nematodes (<i>Meloidogyne chitwoodi</i> and <i>M. hapla</i>)
are strongly suppressed by hemp. Some agronomists suggest that soybeans
grown in rotation after hemp shows a significant decrease in soybean cyst
nematodes.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Bee breeders use hemp as a pollen
insulator; no other plant is so effective as a hedge against pollination.</span>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.7 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH27"></a> ~
Diseases & Pests</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">During World War II, all hempseed
distributed by the USDA was treated with mercury compounds (i.e., ethyl
mercury phosphate); these seeds yielded an average increase of 16% in the
emergence of plants, up to 100% increase over untreated seeds in some instances.
This was the first time that the entire national supply (33,000 bushels)
of seed of an important crop was treated for protection against microorganisms.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis is afflicted by over 100
diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, plants, and abiotic
challenges (genetics, nutrients, stress and pollutants) but only about
a dozen cause serious problems.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">With the exception of striping virus,
the most common diseases of hemp (i.e., <i>Hypochnus solani </i>and<i>
Pythium sp.</i>) can be controlled by treatment of the seeds with Clorox
(25% sodium hypochlorite) diluted with an equal volume of water and adjusted
to pH 9. Soak the seeds for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh
water. <b>(24, 25)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis' resistance to diseases
and pests can be strengthened by the judicious use of methyl salicylate,
which is a major component of wintergreen oil. Aspirin (acetyl salicylic
acid) also is effective. Dissolve two tablets in a quart of water and apply
the solution as a foliar spray.</span>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Fungi & Bacteria</b> --- </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">
More than 90 species of fungi attack Cannabis. Seedlings can be infected
by damping-off fungi; the flowers and leaves are vulnerable to grey mold,
yellow, brown and olive leaf spots, mildew and brown blight, pink rot,
and viruses. The stalk and stems are susceptible to attack by grey mold,
hemp canker, <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> canker and wilt, stem nema, charcoal
rot, anthracnose, and striatura ulcerosa. The roots can be diseased by
<i>Fusarium</i>,
rhizoc, sclerotium root rot, and nematodes. <i>Alternaria alternata </i>Keissler,
a common fungal pathogen of many plants, can destroy up to 45% of hempseed
in a crop.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">K. Roder investigated hemp diseases,
and isolated 7 strains of <i>Sphaerella cann.,
</i>13 strains of <i>Phoma</i>
or <i>Phyllosticta</i>, and 13 forms of
<i>Phomopsis, Coniothyrium, Vermicularia,
Fusarium</i>, and<i> Cylindrocarpon</i>. None of these species can infect
the roots of hemp directly, unless the roots are weak or injured.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Gray mold (<i>Botrytis cinerea</i>)
and hemp canker (<i>Sclerotina sclerotiorum</i>) can severely damage a
hemp crop in wet years. In temperate regions with high humidity and low
temperatures, botrytis can completely destroy a hemp crop within a week.
Botrytis and hemp canker can be controlled by spraying alternately with
the fungicides vinchlozolin (0.5 kg/ha) and iprodion (0.5 kg/ha) at two-week
intervals from June through August. Tetramethylthiuran disulfide also is
effective. Van der Werf, <i>et al</i>., however, found from three years
of field experiments that one or two applications did not increase actual
stem yield. They concluded that, "although fungal diseases may severely
reduce hemp yield in the Netherlands, the use of fungicides is not worthwhile".
They recommended breeding cultivars less susceptible to <i>B. cinerea</i>
in particular.<b> </b>Botrytis can be controlled by applications of sulfur
followed by "AQ-10", a microbial product. Bentonite clay also can control
botrytis; it is better to use California calcium-bentonite rather than
the more common sodium variety. Potassium bicarbonate ("Kali-Green") also
kills botrytis. <b>(26)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Botrytis appears as "damping-off"
(moldy germination) on seedlings; it can be prevented by aeration of the
soil, by hydrogen peroxide, or by the Burgundy Formula. Dissolve 1 lb of
calcium sulfate and 1 lb of washing-soda crystals in 10 gallons of water.
Soak the seeds in this solution, then rinse with fresh water.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Chestnut Formula also prevents
damping-off. Mix 2 parts copper sulfate and 11 parts ammonium carbonate
in a glass jar. Dissolve 1 oz in 2 gallons of water. Soak the seeds in
this solution, then rinse them with fresh water.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Botrytis is a stem disease in fiber
cultivars, arising as a gray-brown mycelial mat, later covered with conidia.
The stem becomes chlorotic along the edge of the mat, then reduces to soft,
shredded cankers; the plant often snaps at that point, or wilts above it.
The mature floral bracts of female drug cultivars are most susceptible
to infestation. Leaflets turn yellow, then wilt, and pistils become brown.
Mycelia envelope the infloresences, which dissolve into gray-brown slime.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Infection by <i>Botrytis</i> is directly
affected by the level of calicum in the plant; the higher the amount of
Ca, the lower the incidence of <i>Botrytis</i>. Sprays of Ca-silicate (2,000
ppm) and Ca-formate (2,000 ppm) provide effective control of fungi and
are safe alternatives to highly toxic fungicides.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Damping off is caused by other several
fungi, mostly by the Protoctistan oomycetes <i>Pythium aphanidermatum </i>and<i>
P. ultimum</i>. Other causative fungi include
<i>Fusarium solani</i>, <i>F.
oxysporum</i>, <i>F. avenaceum</i>, <i>F. graminearum</i>, and <i>F. sulpurem,
Rhizoctonia solani</i>, and <i>Macrophomina phaseolina</i>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The severity of infection by facultative
parasites is affected by the levels of nitrogen and potassium; low N and
high K provide resistance; high N and low K invite parasites.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Wilt is caused by <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>
f. sp. <i>cannabis</i> Nov. & Snyd. It first appears on 3-month old
plants as a yellowish-green color and small dark spots on the lower leaves,
which die but remain hanging. The plant may bend to the side of the stem
that is affected.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In 1999, Ag/Bio Con, a Montana company,
offered the world a mutant strain of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> as a mycoherbicide
against cannabis --- an utterly insane promotion that has instigated lawsuits
to cease and desist. <i>Fusarium</i> mutates very easily and spreads to
other crops. It is an environmental disaster.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Verticillium wilt is caused by
<i>Verticillium</i>(two
species); <i>Macrophomina phaseolina
</i>causes premature wilt (also known
as charcoal rot).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp twig blight is caused by <i>Botryosphaeria
maronii</i> (Cav.) Charles & Jenkins. The leaves quickly wilt and droop
and turn brown, but remain attached. The symptoms first appear on the tips
of branches. The lower parts become bleached.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Two species of <i>Colletotrichum
</i>cause
anthracnose in cannabis.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp canker, caused by <i>Sclerotinia
sclerotiorumi,</i> is one of the most important diseases of cannabis. It
appears as wet lesions on the branches of plants as they mature; the lesions
become dark cankers. The pith fills with white mycelia. Black sclerotia
then develop in the stem and in the pith. The plants wilt and collapse.
The optimal temperature range for its growth and maturation of is 24-33<sup>o</sup>
C. <i>Sclerotinia</i> can be controlled somewhat by proper drainage of
the fields.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Yellow leaf spot is caused by two
species of <i>Septoria</i>; brown leaf spot is caused by species of <i>Phoma
</i>and
<i>Ascochyta</i>;
<i>Phomopsis
ganjae </i>causes white leaf spot.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Severe leaf infections also are caused
by strains of <i>Sphaerella </i>(stem browning)<i>, Phyllosticta, Cercospora</i>,
<i>Microdiplodia,
Macrosporium cann.</i>, and <i>Pseudoperonospora</i> (olive leaf spot),
and <i>Didymella arcuata</i>.
<b>(32)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>Didymella arcuata</i> is found
in association with the fungus <i>Ascochyta cann.</i> Lasch. The optimal
temperature for the germination and growth of <i>D. arcuata</i> is 19-26<sup>o</sup>
C. Its sporulation is promoted by light; its vegetative development is
stimulated by darkness. <b>(33)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Leaf spots caused by
<i>Cercospora
cannabis</i> Hara & Fukui are yellow-tan or brown. They are circular
at first but become irregular and distinct.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>Trichothecium roseum</i> causes
pink rot on cannabis drug cultivars in greenhouses.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp rust (<i>Melampsora cannabina</i>)
appears as orange patches on the leaves. It can be controlled by spraying
with thiocarbamate.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Bacteriosis (stripe disease) is caused
by <i>Pseudomonas cannabina </i>Sutic & Dows. var.
<i>italica</i> Dows.
Scattered reddish-violet spots (under 2 mm), surrounded by a pale yellow
halo, appear on leaf blades, followed by rapid shedding. Small necrotic
elongate cavities, filled with bacteria, appear on the stems.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Some less common but nonetheless
virulent diseases of cannabis are anthracnose (<i>Colletotrichum atramentarium</i>)
and brown blight, which is caused by species of <i>Alternaria</i> and <i>Stemphylium</i>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Many of the bacterial and fungal
diseases of cannabis and other crops can be controlled by applications
of Bacillus subtilis, which is available in several commercial products
(i.e, Serenade, manufactured by Agraquest).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Several bacteria that are pathogenic
to humans have been found on Cannabis, including:
<i>Salmonella muenchen</i>,
<i>Klebsiella
pneumoniae</i>, <i>Euterobacter cloacae</i>,
<i>E. agglomerans</i>,
<i>Streptococcus
</i>(Group
D), <i>Thermoactinomyces candidus</i>,
<i>T. vulgaris</i>, <i>Micropolyspora
faeni</i>, <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>,
<i>A. niger, A. flavus</i>, <i>A.
tamarri</i>, <i>A. sulphureus</i>,
<i>A. repens</i>,
<i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i>,
<i>P.
italicum</i>, <i>Rhizopus stolonifer</i>,
<i>Alternaria alternata</i>,
<i>Curvularia
lunata</i>, and <i>Histoplasmus capsulatum</i>.
<i>Aspergillus</i> can
be killed by baking cannabis at 150<sup>o</sup> C for 15 minutes, but only
about 15% is destroyed by smoking through a waterpipe. Microbial pathogens
and toxins, however, are not destroyed by heating or other methods of sterilization.</span>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Insects</b> ---
</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Several
species of mites are injurious to stored hempseed: <i>Tyroglyphidae </i>(3
sp., especially <i>T. farinae</i>), <i>Glycyphagidae </i>(6 species, especially
<i>G.
destructor</i>), and predaceous <i>Cheyletus eruditus</i>. The maximum
number of mites are found in July-August. <i>T. farinae</i> occurs constantly.
Once introduced into storage, the mites can persist for several years.
<i>Tyrophagus
</i>can
be controlled by treatment of the seed with fungitoxic preparations (i.e.,
Panogen and Aldogen). The mechanical damage of hempseed stimulates the
breeding of mites. The miticide "Cinnamite" (cinnamaldehyde), produced
by Mycogen, is very effective. <b>(23)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Spider mites also plague hemp. Their
effect is seen as minute white spots on the top of leaves. The mites appear
as tiny black specks on the the underside of leaves. They can be controlled
by introduction of another mite, <i>Phytoseiulis persimilis</i>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The seedlings can be attacked by
hemp flea beetles, cutworms and white grubs. The stalks and stems can be
infested by European corn borers and hemp borers, weevils, and by modellid
and longhorn grubs. The larva of the Death's Head moth (<i>Acherontia atropos</i>)
occasionally bore into hemp stalks. Flea beetles, white root grubs, wireworms,
fungus gnats, root maggots, termites and ants will attack the roots of
cannabis.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The click beetle (<i>Agriotes mancus</i>),
also known as wireworm in its juvenile form, infests the top six inches
of soil and eats the roots of plants, including cannabis. Wireworm can
be controlled by introduction of beneficial nematodes (<i>Heterohabidis</i>
and <i>Steinernema</i> spp.).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Marijuana thrips (<i>Oxythrips cannabensis
Knechtel)</i> is a sucking insect that is host-specific to hemp. Common
thrips (<i>Frankliniella occidentalis</i>) eat the calyx of cannabis, causing
deformation and affecting viability. Thrips can be controlled by the predators
<i>Amblysieus
cucumeris</i>,
<i>A. degenerens</i>, and
<i>Orius tristicolor</i>. The
aphid <i>Phorodon cannabis</i> Pass. also is found on hemp.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The tarnished plant bug (<i>Lygus
</i>spp.)
has been found on hemp crops throughout Canada It feeds on the apical meristem,
which appears malformed and stunted. Brown lesions are visible on the stem
where the pest has been feeding. It can be controlled by the predatory
Spined Soldier Bug (<i>Podisus</i> spp.).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The hemp flea beetle (<i>Psylliode
attenuata</i>) hibernate in the soil until the temperature of the soil
and air rises to 10<sup>o</sup> C (50<sup>o</sup> F). Then they emerge
and feed on leaves and stems of seedlings. The pest can be controlled by
planting ‘bait’ hemp with sodium fluosilicate (15 kg/ha) one month before
the mass planting of the crop. The bait plants are treated again after
10 days. This procedure reduces the number of hemp fleas by 90%. In rare,
extreme cases, methyl parathion can be used (50% solution, 8 fluid oz/acre).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The larvae of hemp borer moths (<i>Grapholita
delineana</i>) damage the stalks to such extent that the quality does not
meet the industrial standard. Up to three generations can develop each
year. The caterpillars live in the stems and flowers of female plants,
where they damage developing seeds (50% or more). After feeding, the caterpillars
burrow into the soil and overwinter there. In Hungary, where they were
first observed, the period between August 20 and September 7 (when daylight
is reduced from 15 to 14 hours) is critical for diapause of the larvae.
An earlier harvest will prevent the overwintering of most of the larvae;
thus the population of the next year can be considerably reduced. <b>(27)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The borers can be fought with 50%
methyl parathion (20 fl oz/acre). After harvesting, the stubble and waste
stalks should be burned, and the field plowed. Organophosphate insecticides
are much more effective than organochlorine compounds. Treatment methods
vary according to the intended use of the crop (fiber or seed). Two or
three applications of Fenthion (500 gr/ha) are up to 98% effective.
<b>(28)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The wasp
<i>Trichogramma evanescens</i>
Westw. parasitizes the eggs of the hemp moth; 80,000-120,000 wasps/ha are
released at one time. Biological control is more efficacious than of chemical
methods. Several Hymenoptera species of parasites and predators will prey
on <i>G. delineana</i>. Commercially available Persimilis (<i>Phytoseiulus
persimilis</i>) will destroy spider mites that infest cannabis (See Appendix
1, #34). <b>(29)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The European corn borer also damages
hemp crops. The hemp greenfly (<i>Phorodon cannabis</i>) can damage fiber
hemp, but it has never been a major problem.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The most common rootknot nematode,
<i>Meloidogyne
incognita</i>, occurs on fiber cultivars of cannabis. The northern rootknot
nematode (<i>Meloidogyne hapla</i>) has appeared in European hemp fields
in recent years. Nematodes can be controlled somewhat by planting resistant
varieties of cannabis, and by applications of aqueous extracts of several
common plants (i.e., pigweed, marigold, hyssop and mustard). Aqueous urea
is very effective against nematodes, but it must be buffered to prevent
damage to the plants. Lesion nematodes (<i>Pratylenchus spp.</i>), reniform
nematodes (<i>Rotylenchus spp.</i>), and spiral nematodes (<i>Helicotylenchus</i>
and <i>Scutellonema spp.</i>) also have been found in hemp crops.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The hemp sawfly (<i>Trichiocampus
cannabis</i> Xiao et Huang) is one of the main pests of hemp in China.
The larva feeds on hemp leaves, making many holes. It produces two generations/year,
and the mature larvae overwinter in the soil. The sawfly is controlled
by Fenitrothion.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The leaf roller moth (Tortricidae,
<i>Grapholitha
zinana</i>) can damage up to 100% of hemp sowings. The larvae damage the
infloresences and seed. N. Kozinets, who discovered the pest in 1964, advised
spraying hemp sowing with DDT (15-20 kg/ha) during the flight of the adult
moth. <b>(30)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Irrigation too early and continuing
humid conditions will promote mass attack of hemp stems by <i>Pyraustis
nubialis</i> Hb. The fiber yield from attacked plants deteriorates by one
grade. The pest can be controlled by introduction of
<i>Trichogramma</i>.
The number of caterpillars can be reduced by over 60%, and plant damage
decreased by 80%. <b>(31)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis foliage and infloresence
possesses phytocidal activity. The antibacterial properties are effective
against <i>Bacillus mesentericus, B. subtilis, B. mycoides, B. cereus,
Micrococcus albus, M. aureus,</i> and<i> Clostridium welchii</i>. Hemp
is inactive against <i>Salmonella</i>, <i>Pseudomonas</i>,
<i>Azotobacter</i>,
and<i> Candida</i>. The maximum inhibitory effect from leaf extracts occurs
in August; the flowers are most potent in September, after which time there
is a marked decline in activity. Phosphate fertilizer promotes the antibacterial
activity, whereas K- and N-fertilized plants are less active. <b>(34)</b></span>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH28"></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.8 ~ Nutrients</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The general nutrient requirements
of hemp can be satisfied with generous applications of manure. Cottonseed
is considered to be a perfect fertilizer for hemp, and holds moisture and
mechanically prepares the soil. It is applied at the rate of 500 to 1,000
lb/acre while plowing in autumn. If the preceding crop was soybeans or
cowpeas, then 500 lb/acre is sufficient.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S.S. Boyce gave these recommendations
for fertilizing hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"An application of 200 pounds of
bone-meal in November has the effect to warm the soil and hasten germination
where hemp is sown early, and to stimulate the hemp to a quick, early growth,
before it comes to assimilate the coarser foods, and to give an increase
of a foot to a foot and a half in growth...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Cotton seed and farm manures of
equal proportions, with an addition of 10% of acid phosphate, [can be]
applied according to the condition of the soil. The only other addition
to the compost of 1,000 pounds of cotton seed, 1,000 pounds barn manure
and 200 pounds of acid phosphate, would be 250 pounds of ammonium sulfate
[per acre]... This would only be required upon old, exhausted cotton lands,
while this amount would be sufficient for 4 or 5 acres, according to fertility,
and for 10 acres, provided a crop of cowpeas broadcast had preceded."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Steep-water in which hemp has been
retted contains: C (55.66%), H (8.21%), N (6.45%), O (29.68%). R. Antoniu,
<i>et
al.</i>, reported that it makes a valuable fertilizer :</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The wastewaters from hemp retting
may be used for irrigation without presenting the danger of polluting the
phreatic waters with organic substances because these substances are nearly
totally retained on the filtration field. The chloride content of the raw
wastewater indicates small quantities that could not produce the soil salinization
after irrigations. In the phreatic water below the experimental field,
the chloride content is 10-fold reduced. While the waste water is acid,
the water under the filtration and irrigated field has a neutral or slightly
alkaline reaction. Wastewaters were utilized for the irrigation of seed
corn, silo corn, sugar beet (furrow irrigation), and alfalfa. For irrigated
seed corn there was an increased production (139-143%) in comparison with
the non-irrigated. For silo corn increases varied between 133-177%, for
sugar beet between 176-183%, and for alfalfa, 107-416%. For all cultures
the irrigation norm varied between 2,250-3,550 m<sup>3</sup>/ha."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">I. Popescu and I. Afusoae reported
this finding from their study of retting:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Fermentation can help turn hemp
boon [hurds] into a suitable product for soil fertilization. During fermentation
the boon reaches almost the same level of assimilable N, K, Mn and Cu as
in barnyard manure."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">If NPK fertilizers are used, it is
necessary to know their proper amounts, effects and relationships. These
considerations are determined by the class of soil in which the crop is
grown, and the nutrient content of the soil.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Fertilizers cause changes in basic
soil properties and hemp yield. N.Gorodnii conducted experiments with this
problem. He cultivated hemp on two types of loam with 6 variants of nutrients
(without fertilizers, with 20, 40, and 80 tons manure/ha/year, with NPK
calculated on 40 tons manure/ha, and with N 12:P 90:K 60):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"With continuous cultivation of hemp
on a background of ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, and sylvite, the total
absorbed bases in the soil, the rate of Ca saturation, and the nitrification
ability were decreased, saturation of the absorbing complex by N and NH<sub>4</sub>
ions and the exchange and hydrolytic acidity of the soil were increased:
the physical properties of the soil deteriorated, the density increased
and the percentage of water-resistant aggregates decreased. Applying mineral
fertilizers during the first years increased the hemp seed yield 100%,
in comparison with the same doses of manure. Application of manure, in
comparison with the same doses of mineral fertilizers, increased the weight
of common hemp 2-3 fold. <b>" (35)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The nutrient uptake by cannabis reaches
it maximum just before maturity and blossoming. Nitrogen and phosphorus
uptake then increase up to 250%, and potassium requirements increase 400%.
The uptake of calcium and magnesium increases 150%. Additional amounts
of nutrients must be readily available to the plants at that time in order
to produce maximum yields. Hemp consumes about 1 kg of nutrients for each
kg of fiber it produces. At least twice as much nutrients must be available
than will be removed from the soil by the harvested plants. If hemp is
field-retted, nearly half of the nutrients are returned to the soil.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The 1897 USDA <i>Year Book</i> listed
the amounts of fertilizing elements required to produce 100 pounds of hemp
fibers from 600 lb of plant weight: N (6.27 lb), KOH (10.13 lb), H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4
</sub>(3.32
lb). For a yield of 1,500 lb of fiber/acre (9,000 lb of growth), the nutrient
requirements would be: N (94.05 lb), KOH (151.95 lb), and H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>
(49.8 lb).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Fertilizer trials conducted on six
soil types at the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station (1942-43) gave these
results:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Where N (25 lb/acre), P (50 lb P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>),
and K (25 lb K<sub>2</sub>O) were applied singly and in combinations, average
increases in acre yield of dry, rettted straw from fertilization ranged
from 0.37 to 0.90 ton, P from 0.12 to 0.80 ton, and K from -0.32 to +0.25
ton N at 100 lb/acre produced substantial yield increases over N
at 25 lb, which was not enough for maximum yields. Response to P was limited
by N deficiency in a number of cases. N-P combinations produced higher
yields than did either N or P or PK. In general, K did not increase hemp
yields, [which] were usually highest on soil types which contained the
greatest quantities of N and organic matter, provided drainage was adequate.
<b>(36)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Commercial hemp farmers in the temperate
zones of Europe generally use a nutrient ratio of 2N:1P:4K. In hot, sunny,
and tropical climes, hemp uses less potassium, and a ratio of 2N:1P:2K
is more suitable. In areas having a winter or monsoon season, more K and
less N is required, so the ratio 2N:1P:3K is used.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Other reports state that a high yield
of fiber is obtained with about 160 kg N, 110 kg P, and 90 kg K per hectare.
The highest quality bast fiber reportedly is obtained with about 70 kg
of P and 60 kg of K per hectare, followed by a later dressing of 90 kg
N, 70 kg P, and 60 kg K/ha. This also yields a 100% increase
in fiber content in comparison to other NPK ratios. Canadian hemp farmers
have applied N at 120 kg/ha, P at 100 kg/ha, and K at 160 kg/ha. M. Molina,
who cultivated hemp for 13 years in Italy, stated:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Fertilization with 300 kg of ammonium
sulfate or 450 kg of dried blood, 500 kg superphosphate and 150 kg
K-sulfate per hectare is recommended."
<b>(37)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Dr. Ivan Bocsa summarized the NPK
requirements of hemp thus: Class I (rich soil) requires 16-43 lb N/short
ton of stalk yield, 8-24 lb P/short ton, and 7-24 lb K/short ton. Soil
Classes II and III require 20-46 lb N/short ton, 14-34 lb P/short ton,
and 8-27 lb K/short ton.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">G.R. Bedak tested the effectiveness
of periodic and annual applications of fertilizers in a hemp-hemp and hemp-corn
crop rotation. The application of P and K fertilizers every two years does
not affect the quality of fiber, and the cost of storing, transporting
and applying fertilizers are about 23% less than for annual application.
<b>(38)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">L. Dobrounof reported these findings
from his studies of critical periods in the mineral nutrition of hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"There is a long period during which
a given nutrient exerts its influence... Beginning when the hemp plant
is 6-12 days old, it lasts (in relation to the fiber) in male plants 22-28
days (i.e., until the beginning of flowering) and in the female plants
32-38 days (i.e., until flowering is complete). Within the period, there
exists a short critical period during which the mineral nutrition exerts
its greatest influence on the direction and intensity of vegetative and
reproductive development. In male plants this period is 4-5 days before
the buds are completely formed, while in female plants it is the 8-10 days
at the beginning of flowering. At the beginning of the period of effective
action is the stage when the plant is passing from nutrition at the expense
of the seed to independent root nutrition. This stage lasts 4-6 days and
begins when the plants are 6-8 days old. <b>(39)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>N</i></b>--- Approximately
100-150 kg N/ha (and 80-100 kg P/ha, and 100-180 kg K/ha) is required to
obtain 10 tons of stems/hectare (10 kg N per ton of dry stalk).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Though the stem yield is high, the
quality of fiber decreases with increasing amounts of N. Under low-light
conditions, ammonium sulfate or nitrate stimulates stem growth. The absorption
of N is most intensive from 20-25 days after germination.<b> (40-46)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cannabis is nitrophilic, but if the
plant is grown for its resin, the supply should be kept under 400 ppm,
and it must be reduced to about 100 ppm during flowering. The application
of N should be reduced 20% in very hot weather.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Russian agronomist B. Lesik showed
that the form of N substantially affects the growth of hemp and the quality
of its fiber:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When ammonia N was applied, the
plants passed through their development cycle more rapidly. The stalks
were thinner and there was less development of wood. In comparison with
nitrate N, ammonia N caused increases in the yield of long fibers, in the
length of the elementary fibers, in flexibility, tensile strength, and
uniformity of the fibers, and cellulose content, and there was a decrease
in the amount of waste fibers. The retting process also proceeded more
quickly, and a smaller amount of extractive substances (organic acids and
N) accumulated in the retting fluid. Fertilization with the mixed form
gave intermediate results. The thinness of the fibers did not depend on
the form of N applied". <b>(47)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">High N has a "masculinizing" effect
on the hemp phenotype; it stimulates the formation of male flowers. The
proportion, degree, and number of monoecious flowers increases with increasing
N, and the total N content is always higher in monoecious plants than in
females, whatever the dose of N. <b>(48)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Excessive N causes hemp to grow rapidly
as seedlings, but the plants wilt, turn to copper-brown, and die when they
begin to flower. High levels of N in the middle of the growth cycle will
cause water uptake to increase, and induces a sex ratio as high as females
9:1 males. An excess of N is indicated by abnormally large, pulpy branches
and veins, with few flowers. The stem turns brown, and terminal shoots
stop developing. Leaves are spotted with dead areas, and they curl, pimple,
and turn yellow between veins. The breaking strength of the fibers is reduced
by about 15%. The stem texture is herbaceous with a hollow pith and short
internodes. Excess N added during preparation of the soil inhibits stem
development. Best results are obtained by adding half of the required N
in the primary treatment, and the second half at the first feeding.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">If the initial growth of a hempfield
is slow, it can be aided by a foliar spray of 20 kg of urea in 400 liters
of water/ha. The addition of ammonium sulfate or nitrate with sulfur before
blooming occurs will increase the growth rate considerably. Ammonium nitrate
is more effective than the sulfate. Sodium nitrate gives good results,
but the quality of fiber is poor. Cannabis is very sensitive to chlorine;
therefore, sulfate salts are recommended over chlorides or nitrates.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">A deficiency of N causes the entire
hemp plant to turn yellow (chlorosis) within a week. Lower leaves curl
and shrivel, and veins turn purple. Stems are abnormally small and hollow
with a woody pith. Growth and flowering are retarded, and the plants are
mostly male. <b>(49)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">K. Tulaikova found bacterial cycles
in the N metabolism of hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The requirements of hemp for abundant
nitrogen fertilizers were found to be related to the development of numerous
and diverse rhizobia on its roots, mainly ammonifying bacteria. During
the germination stage, the bacteria are parasitic because they utilize
not only the root excretions of plants but partly also the plastic matter
which is being transported from leaves to roots. This is demonstrated by
the weak development of the root during the first half of the growth period.
If N feed is abundant, the relations between the hemp and bacteria are
symbiotic... Simultaneous feeding on nitrates by both root bacteria and
hemp induces N deficiency in the plants. Therefore, nitrate fertilizers
are especially required for hemp development... An improvement in N status
observed after bacterization with silica bacteria was probably due to the
ability of the latter to fix atmospheric N." <b>(50)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">There are differences in the root
microflora of hemp according to sex. Ammonifying and denitrifying
bacteria which decompose organic P predominate on the roots of females,
and greatly depend on the food reserves in the soil. Deficiency of soil
nutrients increases the concentration of microbes on the roots; thus the
number of ammonifying bacteria is much less on the roots of hemp grown
in rich soil than in the roots of plants grown in exhausted soil. Silicate
bacteria predominate on male roots, which absorb N and K more vigorously
than the female up to the flowering phase. <b>(51)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>P</i></b> --- Hemp growth,
fiber yield, and concentration of THC are positively correlated with extractable
phosphate. Cannabis uses 250% more phosphorus at flowering than during
the vegetative phase. A deficiency of P shows as abnormally dark dull green
leaves with a purple tint on the underside, and downward-curled margins.
The stem gradually turns reddish, then black. The roots are long, with
few laterals. The plants are slow to mature and set seed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">P. Gorshkov studied the peculiarities
of P nutrition for hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"To obtain high yields of hemp, it
is necessary to assure the plants an easily accessible source of phosphoric
acid by applying granulated superphosphate at the very beginning of development,
before the plants have reached the phase of 6 pairs of leaves. At later
phases of development the requirement for P may be met by soil P and by
less soluble forms of P fertilizer."
<b>(52)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Russian agronomist M. Khann confirmed
the beneficial effect of superphosphate drilled in with hemp seeds:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"This method allowed for a 3-fold
decrease of the superphosphate without lowering of the productivity. The
increase in the yield of fiber obtained from 1 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>
drilled in with the seeds exceeded by 3-6 times the corresponding increases
from broadcasting 1 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>. The corresponding seed
yield increase was 3.5-4.7 times higher." <b>(53)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>K
</i></b>--- Either
potassium sulfate or potash is recommended over KCl because the chloride
ion interferes with fiber development. The combination of potash with manure
increases yields up to 30%, and increases the availability of phosphorus
by almost 200%. A combination of potash, Mg-sulfate and manure produces
the greatest yield, increasing with higher levels of Mg. Potash strengthens
the stalk and stems and increases the resistance of hemp to broom rape.
The absorption of K is most intense in the 4th week after germination.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Additional K increases plant height,
thickens the stem, and produces heavy, large, dark green leaves. The growth
cycle is shortened by about one week, and the sex ratio is stabilized at
about females 7:3 males. An excess of K after the 10th week, or when flowering
occurs, will delay maturity and inhibit resin production. White spots appear
on leaves, meristematic growth ceases, and the stem is woody and hollow.
When cannabis is cultivated for resin, the supply of K should be reduced
by 50% during flowering.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">I. Berzak reported these results
of his experiments on the effect of various K fertilizers on the yield
and quality of hemp fibers:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The highest yields of stems and
fibers were obtained with kalimag (K-sulfate/Magnesia/Mg-sulfate), and
with K-chloride/K-sulfate mixture, whereas the lowest was obtained with
kainite (K-chloride/Mg-sulfate). Male hemp responded to K fertilizers much
more than female hemp". <b>(54)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Potassium deficiency is indicated
by coppery mottling and curled, grey edges or a brown margin on leaves,
followed by dark spots and bleaching between the veins. The symptoms first
appear on bottom leaves. Old foliage turns dark gray, and new leaves turn
yellow and die. Growth is retarded, and the roots and apical meristems
turn pale yellow. The stem is herbaceous, and hollow in males, while females
are solid. Deficiency can occur in acidic soil or in low-light conditions.
The addition of a little detergent will increase the wetness of the nutrient
solution and allow K to be more easily absorbed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When K is deficient, transpiration
is reduced, but water consumption is increased, especially in young plants.
A deficiency of K decreases the yields of stems and fiber, but contributes
the formation of strong, elastic fibers. <b>(55)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Ca</i></b> --- Calcium gives
cannabis very strong, fibrous, short stems with dark green leaves and swollen
flowers. An adequate supply is vital in the 6th-9th weeks of growth. The
largest absorption of Ca is made possible when calcium carbonate is applied
together with small doses of humus. <b>(56)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Calcium-deficient plants are stunted,
weak and flabby. Terminal buds die, and the stem becomes brittle and covered
with dark areas. Upper leaves are darker than usual, yellow at the edges,
and they crinkle, dry up, and fall off. Any new leaves that form will die.
Brown and white spots appear on lower leaves.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Excessive Ca will stunt the early
growth of cannabis, and causes terminal shoots to be weak and under-developed.
Foliage is less abundant, and blackening occurs around the veins. The stems
are fibrous and woody, with a hollow pith. The sex ratio changes to males
7:3 females.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Calcium affords plants considerable
resistance to infection with <i>Botrytis</i>; the higher the level of calcium,
the lower the incidence of <i>Botrytis</i>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Trace Elements
</i></b>---
Micronutrient deficiencies often are caused by alkaline water, which prevents
uptake by plants. Such deficiencies usually can be covered by the use of
commercially available "transplanting solutions" and by adjusting the soil
to neutral pH.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Mg</i></b> --- Cannabis is
very sensitive to magnesium deficiency, which is likely to occur in sandy
soils and during seasons of heavy rainfall. Chlorosis begins on the bottom
leaves. Grey-white patches, varicose veins, and yellow margins appear on
the leaves, which curl and die on the edges. Growth is stunted, the stem
is thin, and leaves drop off. The stem texture of males is woody, and females
are herbaceous. The pith is hollow. A deficiency can be corrected with
Mg-phosphate and brine (1 quart per 100 lb of compost), or with Epsom salts.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp has an extraordinarily high
requirement for Mg, and is exceptional in comparison to most other plants,
which are killed by applications of Mg alone. Combinations of K and Mg
give the highest yields, which increase considerably with an increase in
the Mg.<b> (57)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">A. Haraszty conducted experiments
for 10 years to augment the yield of hemp fiber with macro- and micronutrients
(tested in over 50 combinations). He found significant effects with formulations
containing K, Mn and Mg (applied in the form of their sulfates at 10 kg/ha),
by which he achieved up to 32% increases in fiber quantity. The combination
of K and Mn gave a 17% increase. <b>(58)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Fe</i></b> --- The symptoms
of iron deficiency are the same as for magnesium, but they appear on the
upper leaves first. Acidic soils dissolve and chelate iron, making it unavailable
to plants. Powdered magnetite (magnetic iron oxide) will supply sufficient
Fe, and it stimulates plant growth by the effect of magnetic energy. 10
ppm of Fe gives the best growth of hemp fiber; 5 ppm gives the best yield
of cannabinoids.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">C. Olsen studied Fe absorption by
hemp in hydroponic beds:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When hemp is cultured in solutions
low in Ca and with Fe-sulfate as Fe source, increasing growth inhibition
due to Fe intoxication is observed when the pH of the solution decreases
from 6 to 4. This is due to the fact that the ferric ion concentration
in the solution increases greatly when the pH is lowered to 4. The same
is true in soil. Even so, hemp can develop quite normally in solution of
pH 4 provided the Ca ion concentration is high, resulting in a sufficient
lowering of the rate of Fe absorption to preclude intoxication. This antagonistic
situation does not occur in nature since soil of low pH and high Ca concentration
does not exist." <b>(59)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Mn
</i></b>--- A deficiency
of manganese will stunt the growth and flowering of hemp. Leaves appear
mottled with grey-brown necrotic spots. The plants lack vitamin C; there
are some deaths. Signs of deficiency first appear on shoots. Leaf margins
remain green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow or white.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>S
</i></b>--- Sulfur stimulates
root growth and seed production. S-deficient hemp is pale green, with purple
veins. The stem is stiff, woody, and thin; the seeds are immature.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>B
</i></b>--- Hemp requires
250 grams of boron per acre. When sufficient P and K are available, an
additional application of boric acid (1 kg/ha), Cu-sulfate (1 kg/ha), and
Mn-sulfate (10 kg/ha) will produce a significant increase in yields and
in the quality of fiber and seeds. A deficiency of B is revealed by cracked,
stunted stems and dry rot. Leaves turn purple, terminal shoots curl and
die, petioles become brittle, and the flowers are covered with dry areas.
New shoots turn gray or brown and die with a burnt appearance. The situation
can be corrected with a foliar spray of boric acid.</span>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Cu</i></b> --- Cannabis does
not have a high tolerance for copper, but supplementary Cu-sulfate will
improve the quality and yield of hemp, especially in peat, which often
is deficient in this element. A deficiency causes stems to weaken and break.
Treatment of a field with 10 kg/yoke (1.42 acres) will increase the fiber
bundle diameter up to 15%; when the Cu is combined with cobalt, the bundle
diameter will increase up to 23%.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Mo</i></b> --- A deficiency
of molybdenum is indicated by yellowing between veins on leaves. The middle
leaves turn yellow.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Zn</i></b> --- A deficiency
of zinc is indicated by chlorosis between the veins at the base of shoots,
and by the accompanying twist of leaf blades. Flowering is inhibited.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Over-watering produces symptoms resembling
nutrient deficiencies or excesses. These usually can be corrected by reducing
the water supply, or by drainage.</span>
<br />
<hr width="62%" />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Table 2.3 ~ Symptoms of Nutrient
Deficiency/Excess</span></b>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img src="http://www.annybelle.org/hemp_symptoms_nutrient_deficiency.gif" width="500" />
<br />
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.9<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH29"></a> ~ Cultivating
for Cannabinoids</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">According to a United Nations study,
5 factors are necessary for the "cultivation of Cannabis for a high resin
production": (1) genotype, (2) photoperiod, (3) N-P-K, (4) at least 60-80
cm separation between plants, and (5) "optimal temperature of the ground
at the time of sowing". Resin production is minimal at 44<sup>o</sup> F
(See also <b>2.5</b> and <b>2.10</b>).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The production of cannabinoids (THC,
CBN, CBD, etc.) is greatly influenced by nutrients. As soil N increases
relative to Mg, CBD increases relative to CBN. Increasing<b> </b>the ratio
of N to Cu increases the level of CBD. Increasing amounts of P convert
CBN to THC. Low to medium levels of P produces a high level of CBD, but
CBD decreases with high levels of P. Low levels (levels less than 40 ppm)
of Mg produce more CBD than do high levels of Mg. As levels of Mg
increase relative to Ca, the concentration of THC decreases. The concentration
of Mg and Fe in leaves is positively correlated to THC levels. Potassium
increases the concentration of CBN by effecting the dehydrogenation of
THC. An excess of K in the 3rd month will inhibit resin production. Excess
Ca will inhibit resin production, and it increases the production of CBD
in the resin is produced. Either an excess or deficiency of Mg produces
more CBD. 5 ppm Fe gives highest yields of THC.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The recommended "ideal" pattern of
nutrient application for cannabinoid production is said to be: high N and
K, low Ca, and medium Mg during the first 2 months of growth, continued
high N and K, medium Mg, and increased Ca during the next 6-8 weeks, followed
by decreased N, K, and Ca, and increased Mg through the flowering phase.
Many growers use a commercial 15-30-30 formula throughout the season.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Mel Frank offers this micronutrient
formula for high cannabinoid production: Fe-sulfate (5 mg/gal), Cu-sulfate
(0.2 mg/gal), Mn-sulfate (2 mg/gal), Zn-sulfate (0.2 mg/gal), Boric acid
(2 mg/gal), Molybdenic acid (0.1 mg/gal). Use 1 tspn/gal of nutrient solution,
once monthly.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Bill Drake gives this recipe in <i>Marijuana:
The Cultivator’s Handbook</i>: Ca-sulfate (6 oz), mono-Ca-phosphate (4
oz), Mg-sulfate (6 oz), K-nitrate (8 oz), and Fe-sulfate (1 gr). Use 1
tspn/gal.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Many marijuana growers reportedly
use a commercial 15-30-30 NPK mixture successfully throughout the growing
season.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Since the 1960s, marijuana farmers
have developed many special techniques to camouflage their operations and
to enhance the production of psychoactive resin. Such cultivators grow
the plant for its flowers rather than the fiber. They prefer to grow females
because they produce more resin than males. The female is much larger and
more vigorous than the male, which does not produce much foliage and dies
soon after dispersing its pollen. What little resin the male does produce
is, however, about as potent as that of the female, and it can be worth
extracting and isomerizing. If the female is kept virgin so that seed production
is prevented, it develops more flowers and more resin with greater potency.
The mature virgin plant is called "sensimilla" (without seeds). For these
reasons, the males are removed as soon as they can be identified.The cultivation
of <i>bhang </i>(cannabis) is a highly ritualized process in India. Select
seeds are kept in the mouth of a dead snake until they are sown under the
waxing moon in July. Often a freshly-killed snake (preferably a cobra)
is buried under the plants, for it is believed that the venom potentizes
the resin. The rites of <i>nyasa</i> and <i>acamana</i> are performed while
facing north or east. Water is mixed with milk and sprinkled over the seeds.
When they sprout, water mixed with clarified butter is used. When the first
leaves appear, the plants are sprinkled with salt water. During flowering,
the plants are sprinkled with water mixed with alcohol and meat, then with
water and honey, and finally with water and alcohol. The rites of <i>stapana</i>,
<i>sevana</i>,
<i>tantubandhana</i>,
and <i>lavana</i> are performed before the harvest. The rite of <i>tantubandhana</i>
should be performed by a purified person on the 14th day of the waning
moon (in February-March in India). The plants are tied with red, yellow,
black and white threads. The <i>Aghora mantra</i> should be recited for
a week. On the 5th day of the waxing moon, the cultivator meditates on
the <i>bhang</i> and imagines her as a deity. When the seeds are fat, the
plants are harvested while reciting the
<i>Aghora mantra</i>.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Cultivators of<i> bhang</i> often
hire a <i>poddar</i> to inspect the plants and cull the males before flowering
begins. In many districts of India, farmers stick a knife through the stem
near the base of the plant and insert a wedge or nail. Sometimes opium,
mercury, sulfur, arsenic, or asafetida is stuffed into the crack to increase
the potency of the plant. Certainly, the use of mercury or arsenic is not
to be recommended.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Indoor crops can be induced to flower
by reducing the photoperiod to under 12 hours for 2 weeks. When the plants
have flowered, the males can be culled, and the photoperiod is increased
again to resume vegetative growth, but overall development is slightly
delayed by this procedure.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Breeders now recognize that the content
and quality of hemp fiber is not related to the quantity of psychoactive
cannabinoids. Certain varieties are rich in both THC and fiber.</span>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Pruning
</b>---</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">
Many cultivators insist that Cannabis grows best if it is left untouched.
Others argue that judicious pruning not only alters the appearance of the
plant, but also increases the amount of foliage.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The lower limbs or their leaves can
be pruned to make more energy available to the upper flowers (This interferes
somewhat with metabolic processes by reducing photosynthesis). The large,
non-floral foliage also shades the ground, thus conserving water.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Removal of the central bud will produce
a multi-stem plant with more foliage. After the plant has produced at least
three sets of leaves, carefully cut the central bud (apical meristem).
The two remaining axial shoots will develop as stems. These two stems also
can be pruned in this manner when they have developed sufficiently. The
result is a relatively low, bushy plant. The technique should be used only
on young plants; late pruning will interfere with flower development.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Stems and branches also can be trained
with a trellis, or tied down close to the ground so as to present a low
profile, quite unlike normal Cannabis.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Grafting ----
</i></b>The Humulus
hops plant looks nothing like cannabis, and it can be grafted onto hemp,
and it will produce cannabinoids. The technique is not considered to be
very practical. <b>(60)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">I. Bocsa and G. Farkas tested the
influence of the slip upon the longevity of root-stock with grafts with
hemp varieties with different longevities and between individuals of the
same variety/different sex:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The graft can influence the lifespan
of the rootstock. A graft with greater longevity will increase (independently
of the sex relationships) the life span of the root-stock. Female slips,
which have a longer vegetation period than the males, will increase the
life span of the male root-stock."
<b>(61)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Cloning</i></b> --- C. Richez-Dumanois,
<i>et
al</i>., studied the <i>in vitro</i> propagation of hemp clones, thus:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Morphological and chemical development
decreased at low temperature and were promoted by a regime of 22<sup>o</sup>
C (daily temperature) and 17<sup>o</sup> C (night) under 24 hour illumination
and 70% relative humidity. Shoot proliferation was obtained with the addition
of cytokinin (BAP, 5.10<sup>7</sup> M/liter) and auxin (AIB, 10<sup>7</sup>
M/l.). The axillary shoots which developed were used as mother-plants in
vitro; they provided numerous cuttings after repeated sub-culturing on
the same medium. A long thinning stage was necessary for rooting the microcuttings
in the presence of charcoal (2 gr/l.) and AIB (10<sup>5</sup> M). The best
method for rooting in vivo shoots involved non-aseptic conditions (3-4
weeks). The further growth of plants at 22<sup>o</sup> C/17<sup>o</sup>
C was comparable to that of corresponding horticultural cuttings and the
cannabinoid pattern was similar to that of mother-plants".
<b>(62)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">V. Sustrina cloned hemp as a method
of obtaining starting material for selection:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">" The best method for the intervarietal
grafting of hemp is considered to be by fork grafts of material in the
cotyledon phase onto hosts of 7-8 pairs of true leaves... A most promising
method is to graft female hemp on males and selfing. The best results were
given by the used of female hemp as the host and pollinating the graft
with Kavkavskaya hemp."</span>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.10 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH210"></a>
~ Growth Stimulants</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The B-vitamins (1 ppm solution) increase
the yield of hempseed and its fat content, but somewhat suppresses the
growth of leaves, stems, and seed hulls. Potassium permanganate in weak
solutions stimulates the development of cannabis in all its phases. Dilute
camphor also stimulates plant growth. Vitamin C (1-5 parts in 10,000 water)
has the same effect.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The ripening of cannabis flowers
can be accelerated by addition of a tablespoon of sugar per gallon of nutrient
solution. Do not use this treatment during the initial stages of the flowering
cycle, because flowering will be delayed instead.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Auxigro, manufactured by the Auxein
Corp. (Lansing, MI; <a href="http://www.auxein.com/;/">www.auxein.com;</a>
US Patent 5,840,656) contains 4-aminobutyric acid, L-glutamic acid, etc.).
It increases fertilizer efficiency severalfold and improves plant growth
up to 50%. Nutrient accumulation also is increased dramatically.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Triacontanol is a fatty alcohol found
in many plants. It increases growth rates and yields up to 25%, and increases
the protein content, even during darkness when plants usually are dormant.
Triacontanol seems to enhance the growth of plants without increasing their
consumption of nitrogen. The simplest way to use triacontanol is to plow
under a crop of alfalfa, which contains relatively large amounts of the
substance. Triacontanol is extracted from sunflower seeds or alfalfa by
chloroform; filter and evaporate the solution to yield crude triacontanol.
The dosage is 1 ppm in water.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Carbon Dioxide</i></b> ---
Plants utilize atmospheric carbon dioxide to supply their carbon. The current
level of atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> is about 350 ppm. If the level of CO<sub>2</sub>in
a closed growing space decreases to below 200 ppm, growth will cease. Levels
above 2% can be injurious to both plants and animals. When cannabis is
cultivated indoors, the rate of growth and photosynthesis can be enhanced
by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide to about 0.2%. The effects
are most influential in the second month of growth. The rate of growth
can be increased about 50% by increasing the level of CO<sub>2</sub> to
about 700 ppm. If the level is increased to 1,500 ppm during the vegetative
phase, the growth rate will increase up to 80%. The number of females also
increases slightly under the influence of CO<sub>2</sub>. When extra CO<sub>2</sub>
is supplied during the flowering phase, the flowers will mature about 2
weeks sooner, and they will increase in weight about 20%.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">To calculate the amount of CO<sub>2</sub>
required to enrich a growroom, first select the level of CO<sub>2 </sub>you
desire (assuming 300 ppm atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub>). Multiply the cubic
feet of the grow space with the corresponding factor (given below) to determine
how many cubic feet of gas are needed to raise the level for each cycle
of enrichment. The cycle is repeated as the plants absorb the gas or it
is vented outdoors (necessarily when the room temperature rises to 85<sup>o</sup>
F). Commercially available equipment will do this automatically.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">For 1,000 ppm, factor (.0007) x cubic
feet to determine the requisite volume of gas. 1,100 ppm = (.0008); 1,200
ppm = (.0009); 1,300 ppm = (.0010); 1,400 ppm = (.0011); 1,500 ppm = (.0012).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Gibberellin
</i></b>--- When
seeds absorb water, the hormone gibberellin (gibberellic acid-A, GAA) appears
in the embryo and activates the metabolism to initiate sprouting. GAA has
been widely tested in applications to hemp.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When applied to cannabis at a rate
of 100 ppm in water for 2 months, GAA increases the thickness and internodal
length of the stock. The terminal nodes are weak, branching is suppressed,
and the roots develop poorly. Germination is stimulated by GAA, but leaf
growth and the production of chlorophyll and cannabinoids are reduced proportionately.
GAA treatment does not hasten the generative development of hemp, but does
promote plant growth. The stem diameter increases about 250% over control
plants, and the fresh weight of the stem increases 300%. Treated plants
have a higher ratio of bark:wood. The number of fibers increases up to
100%.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">According to G. Davidyan, the greatest
effect is achieved with 0.005-0.01% GAA applied before the buds form.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">R. Herich tested the histological
reactions of hemp by soaking the seeds in 5 ppm GAA for 24 hours with these
results:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The plants showed the following
differences from untreated controls: decrease of stem thickness, less lignification,
decreased bark development especially in lower parts of stems, decrease
in number of secondary bast fibers, increase in number and size of primary
bast fibers, and increased differentiation of parenchymatous pith tissue".
<b>(63)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">C.K. Atal also described the effect
of GAA on hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Gibberellin-treated plants showed
a greater number of fibers as compared to controls. The individual fibers
were larger in diameter, more lignified, and up to 10 times as long as
the fibers from the untreated plants." <b>(64)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">F. Yanishevskii studied the effect
of GAA on the nitrogen metabolism of hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Stem lengthening took place mainly
by cell extension. Net weight even decreased somewhat. Chlorophyll concentration
decreased noticeably... Plants treated with GAA contained less N than controls.
GAA exerted a considerable influence on the N metabolism of hemp plants:
in treated plants the amount of protein N decreased 2-fold, but, in contrast,
the soluble forms of N increased markedly. Treatment with GAA had almost
no effect on the content of N fractions of cell components (nuclei, plastids).
Nucleic acid content decreased mainly owing to decrease in the amount of
RNA. Accumulation of soluble forms of N under the influence of GAA would
indicate that the introduction of nitrogenous fertilizers (as recommended
by Witter and Bucovac) would hardly make up for the unfavorable effect
of GAA on the N metabolism of hemp." <b>(65)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">N. Yakushkina and L. Chuikova also
tested the action of GAA and Indole-Acetic Acid (IAA, auxin) on hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"GAA intensified the growth of the
plants, the average dry weight per plant, the photosynthesis rate, the
sugar content (especially of the stem) and that of total N, and the respiration
rate, but decreased the content of chlorophyll in the leaves. The separate
application of IAA caused a decrease in the growth and yield of the plants,
and a considerable increase in the chlorophyll content, but decreased the
photosynthesis rate. The simultaneous application of GAA and IAA was accompanied
by the highest increase in yield, but this addition of IAA did not exert
any substantial influence on the physiological processes.<b>" (66 )</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">GAA also increases the length of
the growing season. GAA will inhibit the formation of flowers on Cannabis;
it must not be used during the flowering phase of growth. GAA will accelerate
the <u>onset</u> of budding by about 7 days.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Treatment of plants with 25 mg GAA/liter
results in 80% of the plants being male. Female hemp usually undergoes
sex reversal to a male expression, but few of the male plants produce female
flowers. Thus, G. Davidyan and S. Kutuzova reported:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Gibberellin causes the formation
of male flowers, containing fertile pollen, on genetically female plants."
<b>(67)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">V. Khryanin treated dioecious hemp
with GAA (25 mg/liter) and produced monoecious feminized staminate hemp
from the common pistillate form:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Gibberellin, as a hormone of the
plant organism, probably depresses genes which participate in the formation
of flowers which have been repressed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Thus GAA can be used by breeders
to develop monoecious cannabis from dioecious forms. Preliminary tests
are necessary to determine the most effective concentration and best timing
for each cultivar."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Gibberellin is extracted from cucumber
seeds, fresh cantelope seeds, dried corn kernels, and from pencil rod,
lupine, and pinto beans. Soak 200 grams of powdered seeds in 110 ml of
a mixture of acetone (10 parts), isopropyl alcohol (5 p), ethanol (2 p),
and water (5 p). Filter the mush and rinse it with 20 ml acetone and 20
ml isopropyl alcohol. Combine the rinse and the mother liquor, then evaporate
the solvent. Dissolve the gum in alkaline water for experimental use.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The effect of GAA is removed by abscisic
acid (ABA), which will initiate flowering. Treatment of plants with ABA
(10 mg/liter) results in all plants being female or bisexual. The ABA can
be overcome by increasing the concentration of GAA.
<b>(68)</b></span>
<br />
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</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.11<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH211"></a> ~ Harvest</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hemp is ready to harvest after the
males have shed their pollen. If hemp is harvested before the males die,
then the retting of both male and female plants together is more uniform.
The harvest period can extend 2 weeks, but late hemp is more lignified.
An early harvest may produce fine, soft fiber, but usually it is weak.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Belgian farmers traditionally harvested
their hemp on St. Madelin's Day (July 22). On that occasion they would
chant, "Harvest your hemp on St. Madelin's Day. If it's not ready, bale
it for another week."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">According to the experience gained
by Canadian hemp farmers in 1998, the crop should be direct-combined when
seed moisture reaches 25-30%, and the wet seed should be aerated within
24 hours after combining.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Yield --- </i></b>The USDA
reported that an acre of hemp usually yields an average of about 7 tons
of green stalks. After drying and curing in shocks, the stalks weigh about
5 tons. After retting and drying, the stalks weigh about 3 tons, and they
yield about 750 lb of long, rough fiber. The yield of hurds is about 2.5
tons/acre. After hackling, the yield is about 350 lb of single-dressed
line fiber, 170 lb of short fiber, and 90 lb of hurds and waste.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Research conducted by Dr. H.M.G.
van der Werf showed that fiber hemp yields can be increased by about 30%
by growing very late-flowering cultivars at a relatively low density (<300
plants /m<sup>2</sup>). The crop self-thins due to inter-plant competition,
and it is harvested late in September.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">According to Dr. Ivan Bocsa, the
stalk yield of hemp for Class I (rich) soil is <2.7 to >3.8 short
tons/acre. The lower quality Class II and III soils yield <1.8 to >2.9
short tons/acre.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Hungarian dioecious variety Kompolti,
which currently has the highest fiber content in the world, produces yields
of about 9 tons stems/hectare. The Polish varieties Beniko and Bialobrzerzie
produce about 100 kg seed/ha, plus 9-10 tons of dry stalks/ha. The varieties
mature in late September. Ukranian seed such as Zolotonosha and Glukiv
USO have been tested in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. They have vegetative
periods of 110-150 days and yield 0.25-0.5 tons seed/acre and 3.25-5 tons
of stalk/acre. In Australia, the yields of stalks average from 8-10 tons/ha;
in the Ukraine, 8-10 tons/ha; in the Netherlands, 10-14 tons/ha; in the
UK, 5-7 tons/ha. The low average is about 6 tons of stalk/ha, yielding
a low of 22% bast fiber. The high yield is about 10 tons of stalk/ha, with
a high content of 30% bast fiber; thus, yields range from 1.3-3.0 tons
of fiber/ha.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Thomas Jefferson simply noted the
following regarding the yield of hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Tolerable ground yields 500 lb to
the acre. You may generally count on 100 lb for every foot the hemp is
over 4 ft high."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S.S. Boyce (<i>Hemp</i>, 1900) stated
likewise:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp yields 150 pounds of fiber
per acre for each foot in height, hence the advantage of a tall plant."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Equipment</i></b> --- The World
War Two film <i>Hemp for Victory!</i> showed farmers the best equipment
then available to harvest the crop:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Hemp grows so luxuriently in Kentucky
that harvesting is sometimes difficult, which may account for the popularity
of the self-rake with its lateral stroke. A modified rice binder has used
to some extent. This machine works well on average hemp... An improved
hemp harvester... spreads the hemp in a continuous swath... In Kentucky,
hand cutting is used to open fields for the machine. [The] hemp is shucked
as soon as safe, after cutting, to be spread for retting later in the fall.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In Wisconsin, hemp is harvested
in September. Here the harvester with automatic spreader is standard equipment.
Note how smoothly the rotating apron lays the swaths preparatory to retting.
Here it is a common and essential practice to leave headlands around hemp
fields. These strips may be planted with other crops, preferably small
grain. Thus the harvester has room to make its first round without preparatory
hand cutting... When the cutter bar is much shorter than the hemp is tall,
overlapping occurs. Not so good for retting. The standard cut is 8 to 9
feet...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When conditions are favorable, the
pickup binder is commonly used. The swaths should lie smooth and even with
the stalks parallel. The picker won’t work well in tangled hemp. After
binding, hemp is shucked as soon as possible to stop further retting.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"A helper with a hooked pole may
be required to pull out problematic "volunteer" stalks, which are difficult
to cut. Volunteer hemp grows from seeds scattered by the previous crop.
Such seed sprouts earlier than sown hempseed and grows taller than the
rest of the crop."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">When hemp grows to a height of 15
ft or more, a self-rake combined reaper and mower works well. Modified
rice binders also have been used to bundle hemp. A sweep-rake reaper can
cut 5 acres or more in a day, and a mowing machine can harvest 7 to 10
acres. The British Hemcore project used a modified rape swather and round
balers. French farmers have reported using modified silage maize harvesters.
In the French method of harvesting for seed, a combine harvester is used
to cut the upper parts of plants, but the cutter bar must be raised to
its maximum heigh (about 180 cm). At this height, some fiber yield is lost
because more than the seed-bearing portion of the stem is removed. Good
timing is of vital importance, but efficiency is low because the seed does
not mature uniformly. If the hemp is dual-purpose crop, the fiber can be
contaminated with seed and foliage, some stems will be lost under the wheels,
and field-drying may not be feasible due to the lateness of the season.
After harvesting the seed, the remaining stem can be cut with a finger
mower. A narrow draper-style windrower cannot handle tall hemp, but a wide
draper or auger windrow may be satisfactory.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Dutch Hemp Research Programme
(DHRP, 1990-1994) cut its hemp with a mower conditioner. The crop was field-dried
at least 4 days to reduce the moisture content below 15% so as to avoid
the decay of fiber by bacteria during the storage of dry hemp. Because
of erratic weather conditions, field drying is not a reliable practice
in Europe. The seed was harvested by cutting off the stem tops and threshing
them with a combine. The stalks were round-baled. Minor problems caused
by pickup blockages can be avoided by reducing the windrow volume and ground
speed.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The DHRP also developed a new method
of "direct harvesting" using field choppers equipped with a row-independent
header. The operation loosens about 90% of the core and bark, but the sharpness
of the chopper knives and the throughput of the stalks causes problems
with wrapping and blocking. Field chopping is advantageous in that the
stalks are not dried in the field; the pieces are immediately stored in
a silo, thus avoiding the vagaries of weather. The maturation and harvest
periods can be extended, and the labor is reduced considerably.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In their review of the hemp harvest
and storage techniques developed by the DHRP, Huisman and de Maeyer concluded:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"With decortication, the bark could
not be cleaned well enough and still contained more than 40% of the core.
Bark and loose core should be easily separable by sieving since the size
of the bark [0.5-2.5 cm] and of the loose pieces [1-8 cm] greatly differ...
It was clear that the quantity of fixed core mainly depended on stem diameter;
the smaller the diameter, the higher the quantity of fixed core...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"With field chopping, the bark was
not cut as short as the hurds; this made it possible to separate bark and
core by sieving or flotation. Sieving of chopped hemp resulted in a "contamination
rate" of both bark and core of about 25%... The size difference between
the chopped bark and core was not big enough to separate them by sieving.
With flotation, very clean bast could be collected, although some bark
floated because it stuck to a piece of core, resulting in its collection
with the core... Because the bark sinks in water and the core floats, flotation
is an easy and effective separation method. This operation perfectly fits
into a harvesting system with chopping and [wet anaerobic] ensiling..."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Problems with fiber tangling can
be avoided if the stems are cut into lengths of 5-10 mm during the harvest.
A modified forage harvester can be used; the cut straw is fed into a hopper
bin. A stationary 5-blade chaff cutter has been used, with a uniform cutting
length being achieved by feeding the stems end-on into the cutter and minimizing
the gap between the blade and cutting face. Over-long pieces can be removed
by a sieving table, then fed back into the system.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Dutch company HempFlax Akkerbouw
has developed a cutter mower that chops hemp plants into three half-meter
pieces. The machine cuts about 7.5 acres/hour. The machine mows the plants
down and picks up the stems. Metal brushes remove the leaf material and
push the stalks lengthwise into the chopper. The cut stems are dropped
in a row behind the machine to be picked up by a standard bailer. The company
also has developed a turning machine that turns over the stalks in the
field without causing damage to the fiber. John Deere manufactures the
improved HempFlax Kemper cutter.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Experimental plots grown by the Canadian
Industrial Hemp Council were harvested with a sickle type of cutter, but
the results were unsatisfactory. A disc-bine also was used and worked very
well. Robert Guilford commented:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The added bonus of this machine
was that it crimped the stem, allowing for faster retting. The part that
I left for the combine ended up being a mistake. Putting all that stalk
through to get the top foot was not one of my better ideas. It took me
6 hours to unplug the combine... In 1996 we waited for a frost and then
brought in a combine with a straight cut attachment. It cut the plant off
at the 4 foot level and so it only had to deal with the top 3 feet or so.
We then came in with the disc-bine to cut the remainder of the stalk off
for [round] baling... If the hemp can find a place to wrap when it's a
bit damp it will."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">According to the moisture chart developed
in 1999 by the Canadian Grain Commission, hemp farmers should direct combine
hemp when the seed moisture is between 25 and 30%. The Canadian farming
magazine <i>Western Producer</i> (www.producer.com, 9-9-99) offers the
following tips for combining hemp safely:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Raise the cutter bar as high as
possible to minimize the amount of material the combine has to process.
Lower the cylinder speed to about 350 rpm and have the concave about half
open. Use plenty of air to remove leaves, chaff and small or empty seeds.Remove
straw chopper and blades.Cover exposed shafts with shields.Go slow. Expect
to combine 1.5 to 5 acres per hour. Get off the combine and inspect for
fiber wrapping every 45 minutes."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b><i>Methods --- </i></b>The process
of harvesting large fields of hemp (over 100 acres) in Hungary includes
a preliminary chemical defoliation to remove the unnecessary burden and
volume of leaves (up to 20% of the plant weight). Foliage increases the
cost of handling, transportation, and storage, and it reduces the capacity
of retting basins and discolors the stalks. Manual defoliation is not feasible,
and mechanical methods have not been successful. The defoliants Purivel
(Metoxuron), Basta (ammonium glufosinate) and Round-up (20% glyposate)
are applied by airplanes or orchard spray guns when the 10-15% of the male
plants have flowered (within one week of technical maturation). These substances
are toxic and pose grave environmental threats.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">G. Venturi reported on the use of
defoliant-dessicants for hemp harvesting in 1970. Reglone (4 kg/ha in 15
hecaliters of water/ha) was the "most satisfactory" of 18 products tested;
it was applied at the usual time of harvesting (when about 75% of the males
are flowering) while postponing the mowing up to 7 days. While defoliant-dessicants
were useful for fiber production, it was not good when the hemp was to
be used for paper production.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>The Humorous Hemp Primer</i> also
advised farmers on the subject of harvesting:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Using a bailing mower will save
much work, time and effort, but it can only be used with lower-grown crops.
That is why German inventors provided us with a hemp mower-bailer which
neatly cuts and ties and places hemp to the side.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"So the crops can dry out quickly,
carefully stack them in round manner using 16 bundles standing upright.
When nicely placed, strong winds can blow right through them for rapid
drying.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Fiber stalks deteriorate quickly
if left out to dry too long. They cannot tolerate fall rains. The fibers
shrink and gum up and the birds pick at them... Hemp in the shed or stack
now browns in the sweating process. This stage of its life lasts about
6 weeks and is healthy for the plants since the seeds grow into full ripeness
and readiness</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"This period of storage also allows
the hemp stalks to ripen, mellow, and cure, to "gather nature" and "quality".
This nature and quality is further developed by the subsequent manipulations
to which the fiber is subjected, and eventually produces the desired high,
silky character."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S.S. Boyce offered this advice for
harvesting hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In whatever way the hemp is harvested,
it is at once bound up in small sheaves when pulled, and stood up to dry,
and then shocked. The seed is beaten out, the tops and roots cut off, to
even it in length, by a sharp cutter. Or after the roots are cut off the
hemp is stood up, bundle by bundle, and the taller stalks pulled out."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">John Bordley gave this warning to
farmers in his pamphlet on <i>Hemp</i> (1799):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In America, Hemp and Flax are commonly
dry before they are spread to be dew-rotted. If spread before the last
of September, they become sunburnt, red, harsh, and dead."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Mechanical harvesting may not be
possible or practical in very small fields of seed hemp or in underdeveloped
countries. Therefore, some specific techniques are to be recommended. An
experienced worker using a hemp scythe can cut about half an acre in a
day.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In the opinion of the Anonymous Farmer,
hemp should be harvested as follows:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"This is the best and easiest done
when the ground appears to be tolerably dry. When you begin to gather the
HEMP, it will be expedient that each person employed clear before him as
many feet of ground as the HEMP is high, in order that, after pulling it
up by the roots, and beating off the earth that sticks to them, by striking
the roots against his foot, he may conveniently spread it on the ground
from whence he has pulled it, where it must lie until it is quite dry;
it is then to be tied up in bundles, and put under some cover, or carefully
stacked on the ground, in which case it must be well thatched with straw
to prevent any wet from getting to it. Under this shelter it remains until
about the middle of November, when it is spread out to rot; it is spread
out in rows, taking care that it is spread so thin that it may get equally
wet, and dry nearly alike... from this time it generally lies till towards
the beginning of February... The proper time for taking it up may be easily
known by cracking a few of the stalks, or breaking a handful in the brake,
and if the bark is found to separate readily from the stems, the HEMP ought
immediately to be taken up, which must however be done in clear weather,
that the HEMP, when lifted, may be as dry as possible... When it is not
convenient to brake it directly, it should be put under cover, so as to
be entirely safe from the weather."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Lionel Slator described this meticulous
Dutch method of pulling hemp in his <i>Instructions...</i> (1724):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"In Holland, they pull the long fimble-hemp
separately and apart from the short; especially, such as they perceive
to have shed its Leaves and Blossoms, because the short Fimble is longer
Time at rating [retting] than the long Fimble is: They are so careful not
to break or bruise the Carl-hemp, as they pull the other, that when they
pull their Fimble, they are forced to take off their Coats and Shoes, and
tuck the Skirts of their Vests within their Breeches, and also have the
Sleeves of their Vests made so tight to their Arms, as none of their Cloaths
might break or bruise the Carl-hemp...</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The pulling of the long Fimble hemp
apart from the short, is not only necessary with regard to the Watering
[retting], but also of absolute Necessity in the working of them; for should
the long Fimble-hemp be broke, and hackled promiscuously with the short,
it would occasion vast waste; for the Artist always holds the Roots in
his Hands, as evenly as he can. When he breaks or hackles, he must work
the whole Hemp equally down to the Roots; and if they be of a very unequal
Length, the Tops of the long Fimble will be over wrought, and rendered
useless, if any of them should happen to remain".
<b>(69)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">If the hemp is left laying in the
field after mowing, it must be turned over after two or three days. This
is done by thrusting a fork under the stalks near the tops and throwing
them over on their butts. The stalks are left to dry for another few days,
and then the field hand ties them in bundles about 1 foot in diameter with
a length of old rope, pre-cut to the right length and looped at one end.
One man can bundle from 1-1/2 to 2 acres in a workday.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The stalks should be shocked within
a few days after harvest to avoid scalding. Sunburned fiber is unevenly
colored and usually weaker. The stalks should be relatively free of leaves
so the tops of the shocks are smaller and less rain can enter. Hemp stalks
are bound in bundles about 10 inches in diameter, using small hemp stalks
to tie them. The stack must be built to shed water, being higher in the
center with sloping sides, and capped with an upright bundle.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The stacks of sheaves must dry out
for one week (until the moisture content is less than 16%) before they
can be handled by a bale-press. Alternatively, if the local weather permits,
the stalks can be left in swaths for a month or more while they are repeatedly
wetted by dew and dry out. Such "pre-retted" stalks can be water-retted
more quickly, or they can be mechanically processed immediately without
retting. Baled hemp should be removed from the field as soon as possible.
If they are wetted by rain, the bales must be opened and the sheaves stacked
to dry out before pressing them again.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The low-quality stalks that remain
are gathered and burned (unless prohibited by law) in order to discourage
hemp borers and recycle the nutrient ashes. The stubble also should be
burned, because it does not decompose easily. Failure to do so will impede
subsequent tillage and sowing. The only alternative is to chop the stems
and stubble to 0.5 inch or smaller pieces with a chaff cutter. Plow the
field and add nitrogen fertilizer to accelerate the process of decomposition.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The complete plant has the following
composition: C (38.94%), H (6.06%), N (1.74%), O (48.72%), ashes (4.54%).
The stalks contain: C (56.80%), H (6.48%), N (0.43%), O (34.52%), ashes
(1.77%). The leaves contain: C (40.50%), H (5.98%), N (1.82%), O (29.7%),
ashes (22%). The ashes of the hemp plant contain: KOH (7.48%), NaCO<sub>3</sub>
(0.72%), CaO (42.05%), MgO (4.88%), Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (0.37%),
SiO<sub>2</sub> (6.75%), H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> (3.22%), H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>
(1.10%),Cl (1.53%), CO<sub>2</sub> (31.90%).The ashes of the seeds contain:
KOH (20.81%), NaCO<sub>3</sub> (0.64%), CaO (25.57%), MgO (0.96%), FeO<sub>2</sub>
(0.74%), H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> (35.52%), CaSO<sub>4</sub> (0.18%),
NaCl (0.09%), H<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> (13.48%), C (6.19%).</span>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.12 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH212"></a>
~ Hempseed</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">A frost not exceeding 6<sup>o</sup>
below freezing will not injure hemp except to stop further seed production
and make the seeds shatter more easily. If possible, the seeds should be
harvested on a cloudy day before noon when moisture helps prevent the loss
of seeds by shattering. If a combine harvester is used, the weather should
be sunny and dry. If the plants are manually harvested, they are cut down
with corn knives, and shocked up around a few plants that have been left
standing. After two weeks of drying, an entire shock is thrown onto a tarpaulin
and thrashed with long sticks. The shock is turned over and beaten again.
Two or three pecks of seeds can be collected from a shock of hemp. Because
the seeds fall so easily from the dry plants, it is impossible to remove
them without great loss and difficulty. The plants are so tall and branched
that they cannot be fed easily into a thrashing machine.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">If the crop is cultivated for both
seed and fiber, the plants are harvested in two stages: (1) the seed-bearing
tops of the plants are cut off and threshed; (2) the remaining stalks are
harvested. An axial-flow combine harvester with an elevated cutting table
can be used, but the rollers must be modified to avoid damage to the machine,
and it must be operated at high speed so that the cut pieces will fall
into the chopper.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hempseed is cleaned first through
a clod sieve with quarter-inch round slits, then through a seed sieve with
0.08 inch elongated slots, then through a fanning mill. Properly cleaned
hempseed weighs 44 lb/bushel. A low yield of hempseed is about 300 kg/acre;
a high yield is about 500 kg/acre, or 0.7-1.2 tons/ha. Some fiber yield
is lost in the harvesting of seed hemp crops. The average yield is about
25 bu/acre, or about 700 kg/ha. The collection and cleaning of hempseed
can be done only in dry weather.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Hempseed should be aerated within
24 hours after combining. Freshly threshed hempseed contains up to 20%
moisture, and must be dried until the moisture content drops to 12%, preferably
between 9 and 10%. Artificial drying should not exceed 40<sup>o</sup> C
(105<sup>o</sup> F). One year of aging at 7-15<sup>o</sup> C with
65-75% humidity increases their viability about 15%. Hempseed should be
kept cool and dry, as it spoils quickly under warm and damp conditions.
Another method of preserving hempseed is to dry at 80<sup>o</sup> C for
15 minutes, or at 50<sup>o</sup> C for 4 hours. The temperature must be
even: beginning the drying at a lower temperature and ending at a higher
temperature will reduce the power of germination. The loss of germination
potential can be prevented for about two years by cold storage (0-5<sup>o</sup>
C/32-40<sup>o</sup> F) at low humidity. The germination rate can be maintained
at 90% for up to five years by storage at -10<sup>o
</sup>C (14<sup>o</sup>
F).</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Francesco Crescini studied the environmental
and genetic factors that cause variations in seed germination, and developed
a simple method for increasing their viability:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Seed kept in in paper bags after
harvest for 8-9 months, at 7-15<sup>o</sup> C and 65-75% air humidity,
have a 10-15% greater viability than those after-ripened only 2-3 months.
The physiological final ripening of the seeds is accomplished on the plant
by drying the female stems after harvest at a shady place for 7-10 days...
Lines of different germinating power may result, even from pure lines,
under conditions of self-fertilization. Cross-pollination eliminates lethal
factors which are responsible for low germinating power. The percentage
of viability and the readiness to germinate are independent genetical characteristics.
The longevity of hemp seeds does not seem to be hereditary and is not correlated
with either their viability or their readiness to germinate." <b>(70)</b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><i>The Humorous Hemp Primer </i>
has this to say about the storage of hempseed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Never place the seeds in sacks,
since they would get terribly hot and sweat themselves to death. Rather,
use the proven method of spreading seeds gently on the floor, up to 10
inches deep. Use your hands and a shovel to gently turn and keep the seed
alive. Early on it must be turned every other day. To avoid damage, wear
felt shoes or cover your shoes with sacks. Hemp seed is only ready for
storage when its humidity has sunk to 8%."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">In fact, hempseed can be stored in
sacks after it has been dried sufficiently, but it cannot be kept in a
<u>dry</u>
storeroom because the seed will lose its viability or become infested with
bacteria. Hempseed should be sacked in 2-bushel bags; these are piled in
groups of two, side by side, then two across.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Quincey warned posterity to
exercise caution in handling hempseed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"The Farmer must be very careful
in saving his seed, which by no means must lye too thick upon his floor,
lest it heat and thereby be spoiled; to prevent which, let him stir and
turn it frequently till it be dryed."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Lionel Slator gave this description
of the traditional Dutch method of handling hempseed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"When the Seed is thus thrash’d out
of their Hemp, they convey it to a well-boarded Floor, where it is laid...
about two or three inches thick, and they turn it once a Day regularly,
during the first three Weeks, not suffering the Man who turns it, to have
either Shoes or Pumps on, lest he should break or bruise the Seed by treading
on it. About three weeks afterwards, they clean their Seed again, but not
entirely from the Chaff or Dust... They leave that to remain with the Seed,
until such time as the Seed is compleatly dry; because it is their Opinion,
that this Dust and Chaff prevents the heating of the Seed as it lies drying...
They continue the Seed still on the boarded Floor, and observe to turn
it twice a Week, till the Season comes for sowing it."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The Anonymous Farmer from Annapolis
advised against the Dutch method of collecting seed:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Though this is the method... generally
used for raising seed, yet it is by no means to be approved of; separating
the seed plants from what you pull up occasions a great deal of trouble,
and takes above double the time to gather and secure the HEMP from off
the same ground... A far better method is to raise the seed apart by itselfe...
An acre of ground, managed in this manner, will produce from 20 to 25 or
30 bushels of seed."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Edward Antil recommended this method
of harvesting seed hemp:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"As the first seeds are the fullest
and best, they are worthy of some pains to save them: and the best way
to do that is, to bend down the plants all along... and shake them over
a cloth spread on the ground to receive the seed; if one side of the plant
be rooted out of the ground by forcing it down to shake out the seed, there
will be no damage, for the seed that remains will ripen notwithstanding;
and the plant must thus be shaken every two or three days, till all the
seed be ripe and thus saved; and this is much better than pulling up the
plants by the roots, and shaking them on a barn floor... for by this method,
which is the common practice, one third of the seed at least never comes
to maturity."</span>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.13 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH213"></a>
~ Apologia</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">The anonymous Farmer from Annapolis
ended his <i>Essay on the Culture and Management of Hemp</i> (1776) with
this apology:</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"Surely it is unnecessary to enlarge
further on this head, and indeed the author fears that he may be thought
too prolix, especially by those already acquainted with the subject, but
when it is considered that these instructions are intended for the information
of thousands, who have perhaps never seen the plant, he apprehends that
the directions could not be too minute or particular."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Lionel Slator offered the same reason
in his <i>Instructions</i> (1725):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"I shall conclude this Section with
this general Apology in my own behalf, for being so large in my Observations
and Remarks through this System of flaxen and hempen Agriculture, That
I conceive it to be so much my Duty, fully to inform all Persons engaged
or to be engaged in this important Matter, that I submit rather to be censured
as prolix than deficient."</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">S.S. Boyce gave a similar accounting
for himself in his treatise on <i>Hemp</i> (1900):</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">"There should be no necessity for
an apology or an excuse for preparing a work upon hemp culture at this
time. The hemp plant is the most widely diversified and, commercially and
industrially, the most important plant in cultivation in Europe. It was
among the first introduced into America, and one of the most extensive
in cultivation among the colonists; and there is no good reason existing
why it should not, but every reason why it should, today be among the first
as a basis of another great and grand national industry, employing hundreds
of millions of capital and hundreds of thousands of work-people."</span>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">2.14 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="HH214"></a>
~ <a href="http://www.rexresearch.com/hhusb/hhusref.htm">References</a></span></b>
<br />
<center>
<hr width="62%" />
</center>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";">Table 2.5 ~ Hemp
Farming</span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Operations:</b>
Plow ~ Disk ~ Harrow ~ Drill ~ Roll ~ Reap ~ Bundle ~ Thresh/Clean Seed
~ Spread ~ Pickup ~ Decortication ~ Bale ~ Transport ~ Storage; (Section
2.1)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Soil:</b> Fall:
plow (8"); apply amendments ~ Spring: disk harrow & roller; (Sect.
2.2) ~ Water furrows to ditch every 30-40 ft as needed ~ Microbial formulas
(Bacillus subtilis, &c)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>NPK:</b> Manure,
compost, cottonseed meal, bonemeal (200 lb/ac) &c; (Sect. 2.8) ~ NPK:
N 100-150 kg/ha (<400 ppm); P 80-100 kg/ha; K 100-180 kg/ha ~ Gibberellin
&c (Sect. 2.10)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Seed:</b> Grain
drill or alfalfa seeder (modified); (Sect. 2.5); Fiber Crop: 7.5 or 12.5
cm rows, 55-100 kg/ha; maximum depth 1.5"; Seed Crop: 10-15 kg/acre ~ 2
ft rows ~ 2-3 seeds/ft; thin to 1 plant/20" ~ Fiber & Seed</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Crop:</b> 12-20
kg/ha < 16" rows ~ 7 seeds/ft . Drill in with superphosphate/confettatura
~ Electroculture (Chap. 5)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Water: </b>20-30"
+; 70% relative humidity; irrigate; 80-130 gal/kg fiber; (Sect. 2.3)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Temperature:</b>
Soil: 35<sup>o </sup>optimal @ sowing; air: 19-25<sup>o</sup> C optimal;
(Sect. 2.4)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Intercrops:</b>
Mustard, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lupine, nettles, hops, turnips; (Sect.
2.6)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Crop Rotations:</b>
Corn, potatoes, onion, peas, beans, wheat, clover, barley, oats, grass;
(Sect. 2.6)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Calendar:</b> 100-115+
days, <frost - frost>, April 1+</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Equipment:</b> Tractor
~ plow ~ disk ~ harrow ~ drill ~ roller ~ J. Deere Kemper harvester (or:
self-rake reaper-mower, sweep-rake reaper, modified rape swather, mower
conditioner) ~ baler (or: modified rice binder) ~ clod sieve (seed-cleaning:
1/4" round slits) ~ flatbed truck/trailer ~ forklift ~ pumps ~ tools ~
fuel ~ barn ~ scales ~ Hill/Agra Decorticator</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Expenses: </b>~
$200/acre (Sect. 2.1)</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><b>Yield:</b> Seed:
~ 0.4 ton/acre (300 gal. oil) > 1.2 tons/ha; (Sect. 1.7, 2.11, 4.7) ; Fiber:
average ~ 2 tons/ha; maximum: ~ 12 tons/ha @ 115 days (Kompolti).</span></blockquote>
<hr />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.rexresearch.com/index.htm">rexresearch.com</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;">Re-Sourced from: <a href="http://www.hempbasics.com/hhusb/hh2cul.htm" target="_blank"> http://www.hempbasics.com/hhusb/hh2cul.htm</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times";"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-8895241048106250162016-07-25T04:56:00.000-07:002016-07-25T04:56:03.045-07:00Growing Guide for Industrial Hemp Farmers<header class="post-header "><h1 class="post-title entry-title">
Growing Guide</h1>
</header><h2>
Hemp Cultivation</h2>
<h3>
A Growing Guide for Industrial Hemp Farmers</h3>
<strong>Plant Description:</strong><br />
Hemp
(Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual, herbaceous plant with a slender
stem, ranging in height from 4 to 15 feet and a diameter from ¼” to ¾”.
The innermost layer is the pith, surrounded by woody material known as
hurds. Outside of this layer is the growing tissue, which develops into
hurds on the inside and into the bast fibres on the outside.<br />
The
stem is more or less branched, depending on the crop density. When sown
thickly the stems do not branch. The leaves are of a palmate type and
each leaf has 7 to 11 leaflets, with serrated edges. The strong taproot
penetrates deep into the soil. However, if the soil conditions are
unfavorable, the main root remains short, while lateral roots become
more developed.<br />
<strong>Soils:</strong><br />
Industrial hemp can
be grown on a wide variety of soil types. Hemp prefers a sufficiently
deep, well-aerated soil with a pH of 6 or greater, along with good
moisture and nutrient holding capacity. Poorly drained soils, however,
are not recommended as excess surface water after heavy rains can result
in damage to the hemp crop. Hemp is extremely sensitive to flooding and
soil compaction.<br />
<strong>Soil Preparation:</strong><br />
A fine,
firm seedbed is required for fast, uniform germination of hemp
seed.Conventional seedbed preparation and drilling are probably ideal.
The seedlings will not emerge uniformly if the seed is placed at a depth
greater than 2 inches. “No-till systems” can also be used with good
results, but may be more vulnerable to erratic emergence depending on
the growing season.<br />
<strong>Nutrition:</strong><br />
To achieve
an optimum hemp yield, twice as much nutrient must be available to the
crop as will finally be removed from the soil at harvest. A hemp field
produces a very large bulk of plant material in a short vegetative
period. The nitrogen uptake is most intensive the first 6 to 8 weeks,
while potassium and in particular phosphorous are needed more during
flowering and seed formation. Industrial hemp requires 80 to 100 lbs/ac
(90 to 112 kg/ha) nitrogen, 35 to 50 lbs/ac (39 to 56 kg/ha) phosphate
and 52 to 70 lbs/ac (60 to 80 kg/ha) potash.Growing Conditions:Hemp
prefers a mild climate, humid atmosphere, and a rainfall of at least
25-30 inches per year. Good soil moisture is required for seed
germination and until the young plants are well established.<br />
<strong>Weed Control:</strong><br />
Industrial
hemp is an extremely efficient weed suppressor. No chemicals are needed
for growing this crop. Industrial hemp is a low maintenance crop. There
are no registered chemicals for weed control in hemp. A normal stand of
200 to 300 plants per square meter shades out the weeds, leaving the
fields weed-free at harvest.<br />
<strong>Time of Seeding:</strong><br />
The
best time to seed hemp should be dictated by the weather and soil
conditions, rather than the date on the calendar. Hemp can be seeded as
early as two weeks prior to corn provided that soil conditions are
optimum. However, seeding should not begin until soil temperatures have
reached a minimum of 42 – 46 °F (6 – 8°C).Hemp seed germinates within 24
to 48 hours, and emerges in 5 to 7 days with good moisture and warm
temperature. Hemp grown for fibre should be seeded as early as possible
while hemp for grain should be seeded later to minimize the height of
the stalk.<br />
<strong>Plant Population:</strong><br />
High yields of
high quality fibre can be achieved with proper plant density. Seeding
rates of 250 to 400 viable seeds per square meter (50 – 60 lbs/acre) are
probably ideal, depending on soil type, soil fertility and cultivars.
The seed or grain production will require lower seeding rates in the
35-to-45 lbs/acre ranges. Crops grown with 15 to 20 lbs/acre of seed may
be at risk with regards to weed infestation.<br />
<strong>Breeding Characteristics:</strong><br />
Generally,
hemp is a dioecious plant. However, there are three classifications of
varieties:1. Monoecious varieties – when male and female flowers develop
on the same plant;2. Dioecious varieties – with distinct male and
female plants;3. Female predominant varieties, obtained by pollinating
dioecious females with monoecious pollen.Cultivar Types: There are two
types of industrial hemp based on their use:1. Fibre cultivars – with
long stalks and little branching,2. Seed cultivars – with shorter
stalks, larger seed heads and may have numerous branches (seed contains
30 – 35% oil). Both types have low THC content, of less than 0.3%.<br /> <strong>Rotation:</strong><br />
Hemp
can be grown on the same land for several years in succession but
rotation with other crops is desirable. Hemp responds well to most
preceding crops. It is also possible that introduction of hemp in a crop
rotation might improve the soil health. Our observation in 1996 showed
that hemp might significantly reduce the population of soybean cyst
nematodes. We need at least 3 years of evaluations for this data to be
conclusive.<br />
<strong>Harvest:</strong><br />
Harvesting of hemp for
high quality fibre occurs as soon as the last pollen is shed.Harvesting
for seed occurs 4 to 6 weeks later, when 60% of the seed has ripened.
Fibre hemp is normally ready to harvest in 70 to 90 days after seeding.
The end use of the product may have a significantly impact on the
harvesting method. Kenex Ltd (USA) is developing a harvesting system
that will be compatible with the new processing technology. For fibre
production the crop will be cut, dew retted in the field, baled and
stored, or processed.<br />
<strong>Retting:</strong><br />
The best
fibres are obtained by retting – a microbial decay of pectin, the
substance that glues the fibre to the woody core of hemp stem together.
Retting is carried out in the field and depending on the weather it
takes 14 to 21 days to be completed. During retting, the stems need to
be turned one or two times in order to allow for even retting, since the
stems close to the ground will remain green while the top ones are
retted and turn brown. Retting is complete when the fibres turn golden
or greyish colour and separate easily from wood in finer fibres.<br />
<strong>Yield:</strong><br />
Based
on yield data from 1995, 1996 and 1997 yield expectations are between 3
to 4 tons of baled hemp stalks per acre on well-drained loamy
soils.Storage:For storage, the moisture content of hemp stalks should
not exceed 15%. The bales can be stored for a long time in dry places,
which could include storage sheds, barns or any other covered storage.<br />
The
information provided above is based on 1995, 1996 and 1997 research
data that was collected from test plots at Ridgetown College and the
Kenex Ltd pre-commercial field trials in Pain Court (USA).<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="https://australianhempparty.com/page/cultivation/growing-guide" target="_blank">https://australianhempparty.com/page/cultivation/growing-guide</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-62709967629754319612016-07-25T04:30:00.000-07:002016-07-25T04:53:00.179-07:00Montana Law - Growing Industrial Hemp<h1 class="pos-title">
Montana Hemp Law </h1>
<div class="pos-description">
<div class="element element-textarea first last">
<div>
<b>Year Passed:</b> 2001<br />
<b>Summary:</b> The Montana Legislature approved <a href="http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/2001/billhtml/SB0261.htm" target="_blank">Senate Bill 261</a>
recognizing industrial hemp having no more than 0.3 percent THC as an
"agricultural crop." This legislation also establishes licensing
procedures to allow local farmers to grow hemp commercially. An
amendment to the bill requests the federal government to issue a "waiver
that will allow this act to be effective without federal preemption."<br />
<b>Statute:</b> Mont. Code. Ann. §§ 80-18-101-111 (2015)<br />
<br />
Soruce: <a href="http://norml.org/legal/item/montana-hemp-law" target="_blank">http://norml.org/legal/item/montana-hemp-law</a><br />
<br />
<h1 class="article" itemprop="headline">
<span style="font-size: small;">Facts About Montana's Legalization of Industrial Hemp Farming</span></h1>
<h1 class="article" itemprop="headline">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="artPgDate">Tuesday, 09 Feb 2016</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="article" itemprop="headline">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="artPgDate"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Montana is one of 13 states to legalize a commercial industrial hemp
program. A provision in the U.S. Farm Bill allows universities and state
agriculture departments to begin cultivating hemp for research.
Production is limited to pilot projects.<br />
<br />
The federal government classifies hemp as an illegal drug under the
Controlled Substances Act. Hemp contains trace amounts of the same
hallucinogen found in marijuana, but it’s genetically different. </span></span></h1>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
Hemp can be used to make fabric, food, fuel, plastics, construction
material, and paper. Industrial hemp production can also help the
economies of rural areas. <br />
<br />
Montana’s law states that industrial hemp that does not contain more
than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered an
agricultural product. <br />
<br />
An individual in the state “may plant, grow, harvest, process, sell or
buy industrial hemp" if the industrial hemp does not contain more than
0.3 percent THC, the law says. <br />
<br />
The law requires industrial hemp growers to be licensed by the state of Montana. <br />
<br />
Also, it creates an affirmative defense to prosecution under criminal code for marijuana possession or cultivation. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://www.newsmax.com/surveys/TrumpvsHillary/Trump-vs--Hillary-2016-/id/323/kw/default/?dkt_nbr=plvukdte" style="color: #003399;" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<i>In 2009, <b>The Associated Press</b> reported
the state had granted a Bozeman woman its first license for an
industrial hemp-growing operation. Laura Murphy said she wanted to
develop a domestic market for the plant despite federal law barring its
cultivation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.montanahempcouncil.org/" target="_blank">The <b>Montana Hemp Council</b> “works to educate</a>
and inform Montanans about the benefits, history, uses, versatility,
and politics of industrial and agricultural hemp.” On its website, the
council emphasizes that hemp is not marijuana: “They are the same
genesis and species, just as a St. Bernard and a Chihuahua are. The
plants have evolved over millennia to serve different purposes. Hemp has
a low THC level that could never get a person high. Any marijuana grown
near hemp plants would cross-pollinate turning pot plants into hemp.”</i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
Source: <a href="http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/legalizing-weed-montana-industrial/2016/02/09/id/713514/#ixzz4FOGWPB49" style="color: #003399;">http://</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/legalizing-weed-montana-industrial/2016/02/09/id/713514/#ixzz4FOGWPB49" style="color: #003399;" target="_blank">www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/legalizing-weed-montana-industrial/2016/02/09/id/713514/#ixzz4FOGWPB49</a><br />
<br />
Other Sources of info on Montana Industrial Hemp: <a href="http://crrh.org/news/montana-issues-industrial-hemp-growing-state-license" target="_blank">http://crrh.org/news/montana-issues-industrial-hemp-growing-state-license</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Montana</b></h4>
<i>Mont. Code Anno., § 80-18-101 to 80-18-111</i><br />
<ul>
<li>States that industrial hemp that does not contain more than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol is an agricultural product.</li>
<li>"…an individual in this state may plant, grow, harvest, possess,
process, sell, or buy industrial hemp if the industrial hemp does not
contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol."</li>
<li>Requires industrial hemp growers be licensed by the state.</li>
<li>Creates an affirmative defense to prosecution under criminal code for marijuana possession or cultivation.</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.ncsl.org/research/agriculture-and-rural-development/state-industrial-hemp-statutes.aspx#mt" target="_blank">http://www.ncsl.org/research/agriculture-and-rural-development/state-industrial-hemp-statutes.aspx#mt</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
************************</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2001 Montana Legislature</span><br />
<div align="CENTER">
<a href="http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2001/billhtml/SB0261.htm#About">About Bill -- Links</a></div>
<div align="CENTER">
SENATE BILL NO. 261</div>
<div align="CENTER">
INTRODUCED BY C. CHRISTIAENS, E. CLARK, EGGERS, EKEGREN, G. FORRESTER, GLASER, HARGROVE,
HARRINGTON, JERGESON, MANGAN, MASOLO, MCNUTT, NELSON, RIPLEY, ROUSH, SCHMIDT, TASH,
TESTER, TOOLE, J. WHITAKER, JACOBSON</div>
<center>
</center>
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE PRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS AN AGRICULTURAL CROP;
REQUIRING THAT A LICENSE BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO GROWING INDUSTRIAL HEMP; REQUIRING THAT
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BE NOTIFIED WHEN GROWING OR SELLING INDUSTRIAL HEMP;
PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; PROVIDING FOR THE
DISPOSITION OF FEES; PROVIDING AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE FOR THE POSSESSION OR CULTIVATION
OF MARIJUANA; PROVIDING AN EXEMPTION TO CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS AND
CRIMINAL PRODUCTION OR MANUFACTURE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR INDUSTRIAL HEMP
PRODUCTION AS AN AGRICULTURAL CROP; REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO
REQUEST A CHANGE OR WAIVER IN FEDERAL LAW; AND AMENDING SECTION 45-9-108, MCA.<br />
<br />
<br />
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 1. Definitions.</b> As used in [sections 1 through 7], the following definitions apply:<br />
(1) "Industrial hemp" means all parts and varieties of the plant Cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than 0.3%
tetrahydrocannabinol.<br />
(2) "Marijuana" means all plant material from the genus cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or seeds of
the genus capable of germination.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 2. Industrial hemp authorized as agricultural crop.</b> Industrial hemp that has no more than 0.3%
tetrahydrocannabinol is considered an agricultural crop in this state. Upon meeting the requirements of [section 3], an
individual in this state may plant, grow, harvest, possess, process, sell, or buy industrial hemp if the industrial hemp does
not contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 3. Industrial hemp -- licensing.</b> (1) An individual growing industrial hemp for commercial purposes shall
apply to the department for a license on a form prescribed by the department.<br />
(2) The application for a license must include the name and address of the applicant and the legal description of the land
area to be used for the production of industrial hemp.<br />
(3) The department shall require each first-time applicant for a
license to file a set of the applicant's fingerprints, taken
by a law enforcement officer, and any other information necessary to
complete a statewide and nationwide criminal history
check with the criminal investigation bureau of the department of
justice for state processing and with the federal bureau of
investigation for federal processing. All costs associated with the
criminal history check are the responsibility of the
applicant. Criminal history records provided to the department under
this section are confidential. The department may
use the records only to determine if an applicant is eligible to receive
a license for the production of industrial hemp. If the
applicant has completed the application process to the satisfaction of
the department, the department shall issue the license,
which is valid until December of that year. An individual licensed
under this section is presumed to be growing industrial
hemp for commercial purposes.<br />
(4) The licensing requirements of [sections 1 through 7] do not apply to employees of the agricultural experiment
station or the Montana state university-Bozeman extension service involved in research and extension-related activities.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 4. Industrial hemp production -- notification requirements.</b> (1) Each licensee shall file with the department:<br />
(a) documentation showing that the seeds planted are of a type and variety certified to have no more than 0.3%
tetrahydrocannabinol; and<br />
(b) a copy of any contract to grow industrial hemp.<br />
(2) Each licensee shall notify the department of the sale or distribution of any industrial hemp grown by the licensee,
including the name and address of the person receiving the industrial hemp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 5. Rulemaking authority.</b> The department shall adopt rules that include but are not limited to:<br />
(1) testing of the industrial hemp during growth to determine tetrahydrocannabinol levels;<br />
(2) supervision of the industrial hemp during its growth and harvest;<br />
(3) assessment of a fee that is commensurate with the costs of the department's activities in licensing, testing, and
supervising industrial hemp production; and<br />
(4) any other rules and procedures necessary to carry out [sections 1 through 7].<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 6. Disposition of fees.</b> All fees assessed as provided in [section 5] must be deposited with the state treasurer to
the credit of the state special revenue fund for the use of the department for administering and enforcing [sections 1 through
7].<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 7. Affirmative defense for possession or cultivation of marijuana.</b> (1) It is an affirmative defense to a
prosecution for the possession or cultivation of marijuana under 45-9-102, 45-9-103, and 45-9-110 that:<br />
(a) the defendant was growing industrial hemp pursuant to [sections 1 through 7];<br />
(b) the defendant had valid applicable controlled substances registrations from the United States department of justice,
drug enforcement administration; and<br />
(c) the defendant fully complied with all of the conditions of the controlled substances registration.<br />
(2) This section is not an affirmative defense to a charge of criminal sale or distribution of marijuana.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 8.</b> Section 45-9-108, MCA, is amended to read:<br />
<b>"45-9-108. Exemptions.</b> (1) The provisions of 45-9-107 do not apply to:<br />
(a) a drug manufacturer licensed by the state;<br />
(b) a person authorized by rules adopted by the board of pharmacy to possess the combination of substances;<br />
(c) a person employed by or enrolled as a student in a college or university within the state who possesses any
combination of substances listed in 45-9-107 for the purposes of teaching or research <strike>which</strike> <u>that</u> is authorized by the
college or university.<br />
(2) The board of pharmacy shall adopt, amend, or repeal rules in accordance with the Montana Administrative
Procedure Act to authorize the processing of any combination of the substances listed in 45-9-107 whenever it determines
that there is a legitimate need and that the substances will be used for a lawful purpose.<br />
<u>(3) The provisions of 45-9-102, 45-9-103, and 45-9-110 do not apply to [section 2].</u>"<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 9. Request for federal change or waiver.</b> The department shall send a copy of [this act], along with a request
for a change in federal law or a waiver that will allow [this act] to be effective without federal preemption, to the Montana
congressional delegation and the director of the drug enforcement administration. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Section 10. Codification instruction.</b> [Sections 1 through 7] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 80,
and the provisions of Title 80 apply to [sections 1 through 7].<br />
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- END -</div>
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</div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-3944328514974701892016-05-30T17:34:00.000-07:002016-05-30T17:59:04.644-07:00HEMP INDUSTRY MOVING AHEADA hemp processing company is planning to move its manufacturing operations from China to southern Alberta.<br><br><img alt="Dr. Jan Slaski and Dr. John Wolodko of Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures conduct research on hemp fibre products at an Edmonton lab. (Photo: AITF)" class="attachment-size-thumbnail-large wp-post-image" src="http://www.leafscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/alberta-hemp-factory-02-21-720x340.jpg" height="240" scale="0" width="480" /><br />
<div class="flex-caption">
Dr. Jan Slaski and Dr. John Wolodko of Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures conduct research on hemp fibre products at an Edmonton lab. (Photo: AITF)</div>
<div class="entry-part text no-share">
<br />Cylab International says it is finalizing plans for the construction of a $32 million factory, where hemp fibre will be processed into various products, including construction materials, animal bedding and biofuel.<br />
“It’s definitely going ahead,” Cylab chief executive officer Brett Boag told <a href="http://www.producer.com/2014/01/hemp-fibre-processors-plan-facilities-in-alberta/">The Western Producer</a> last month. <br />
The new Alberta location is expected to be operational by 2015 and employ 70 people.<br />
Cylab has operated a plant in China for eight years, where product is manufactured for the U.S. market. The company hopes to reduce transportation costs by relocating to Canada.<br />
Canadian farmers planted a record <a href="http://www.leafscience.com/2013/12/03/canadian-hemp-crop-hits-record-high/">66,671 acres of hemp last year</a>.<br />
Alberta is one of the top hemp-producing provinces, and supports new biomaterials through organizations like <a href="http://www.albertatechfutures.ca/NewsRoom/SuccessStories/Greenbiocompositecarbodiesfortheautoindust.aspx#.UwekTfRDvj4">Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures (AITF).</a><br />
Another hemp processor, Stemia, is also looking to set up a new facility in southern Alberta. The site would manufacture products for the construction, automotive and paper industries.<br />
Canada’s primary market for hemp, the U.S., recently approved hemp cultivation <a href="http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/18/kentucky-moves-first-hemp-research-projects/">for research purposes</a> in 10 states. However, commercial hemp cultivation remains banned.</div>
More of the story and Source at: <a href="http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/21/30-million-hemp-factory-coming-alberta/">LeafScience.com</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-54387581383014818492015-01-04T01:48:00.000-08:002016-05-30T17:25:30.024-07:00Cannabis-Based Batteries<center>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">The many uses of hemp....</span></span><img src="http://www.annybelle.org/hemp_batteries.jpg" height="300" width="300"></td><td></td><td><div style="text-align: justify;">
As hemp makes a comeback in the U.S. after a decades-long ban on its cultivation, scientists are reporting that fibers from the plant can pack as much energy and power as graphene, long-touted as the model material for supercapacitors. They’re presenting their research, which a Canadian start-up company is working on scaling up, at the 248th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical <a href="http://wakeup-world.com/category/politic/">Society</a> (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society.<br />
Although hemp (<i>cannabis sativa</i>) and marijuana (<i>cannabis sativa var. indica</i>)
come from a similar species of plant, they are very different and
confusion has been caused by deliberate misinformation with far reaching
effects on socioeconomics as well as on environmental matters.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hemp is the most universally useful plant we have at our disposal. The history of mankind’s use of hemp can be traced way back in time to between about 5000 – 7000 BC.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Industrial hemp and hemp seed could transform the economy of the world States in a positive and beneficial way, and therefore should be exploited to its full potential, especially relating to energy storage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David Mitlin, Ph.D., explains that supercapacitors are energy storage devices that have huge potential to transform the way future electronics are powered. Unlike today’s rechargeable batteries, which sip up energy over several hours, supercapacitors can charge and discharge within seconds. But they normally can’t store nearly as much energy as batteries, an important property known as energy density.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One approach researchers are taking to boost supercapacitors’ energy density is to design better electrodes. Mitlin’s team has figured out how to make them from certain hemp fibers — and they can hold as much energy as the current top contender: graphene.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Our device’s electrochemical performance is on par with or better than graphene-based devices,” Mitlin says. “The key advantage is that our electrodes are made from biowaste using a simple process, and therefore, are much cheaper than graphene.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The race toward the ideal supercapacitor has largely focused on graphene — a strong, light material made of atom-thick layers of carbon, which when stacked, can be made into electrodes. Scientists are investigating how they can take advantage of graphene’s unique properties to build better solar cells, water filtration systems, touch-screen technology, as well as batteries and supercapacitors. The problem is it’s expensive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mitlin’s group decided to see if they could make graphene-like carbons from hemp bast fibers. The fibers come from the inner bark of the plant and often are discarded from Canada’s fast-growing industries that use hemp for clothing, construction materials and other products. The U.S. could soon become another supplier of bast. It now allows limited cultivation of hemp, which unlike its close cousin, does not induce highs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the 1950s, the United States has been lumped hemp into the same category of marijuana, and thus the extremely versatile crop was doomed in the United States. Hemp is technically from the same species of plant that psychoactive marijuana comes from. However, it is from a different variety, or subspecies that contains many important differences.</div>
<a href="http://wakeup-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/hemp.jpg"><img alt="hemp Cannabis Based Batteries Could Change the Way We Store Energy Forever" class="aligncenter wp-image-22997" src="https://wakeup-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/hemp.jpg" height="383" title="Cannabis Based Batteries Could Change the Way We Store Energy Forever" width="540"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Industrial hemp has very low <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol" target="_blank">Tetrahydrocannabinol</a> (THC) levels, which is the principal psychoactive constituent. Compared to marijuana which is specifically cultivated for personal psychoactive use, it is nearly impossible to “get high” on hemp. Marijuana that can be smoked usually contains between 5-10% THC, industrial hemp contains about one-tenth of that. In order to get a psychoactive effect, one would need to smoke more than a dozen hemp cigarettes over a very short period of time to achieve any kind of psychoactive effect.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reason for the low THC content in hemp is that most <a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/14/051614_The-Endocannabinoid-System-and-How-THC-Cures-Cancer.shtml" target="_blank" title="The Endocannabinoid System and How THC Cures Cancer">THC</a> is formed in resin glands on the buds and flowers of the female cannabis plant. Industrial hemp is not cultivated to produce buds, and therefore lacks the primary component that forms the marijuana high. Furthermore, industrial hemp has higher concentrations of a chemical called Cannabidiol (CBD) that has a negative effect on THC and lessens its psychoactive effects when smoked in conjunction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scientists had long suspected there was more value to the hemp bast — it was just a matter of finding the right way to process the material.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We’ve pretty much figured out the secret sauce of it,” says Mitlin, who’s now with Clarkson University in New York. “The trick is to really understand the structure of a starter material and to tune how it’s processed to give you what would rightfully be called amazing properties.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His team found that if they heated the fibers for 24 hours at a little over 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then blasted the resulting material with more intense heat, it would exfoliate into carbon nanosheets.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mitlin’s team built their supercapacitors using the hemp-derived carbons as electrodes and an ionic liquid as the electrolyte. Fully assembled, the devices performed far better than commercial supercapacitors in both energy density and the range of temperatures over which they can work. The hemp-based devices yielded energy densities as high as 12 Watt-hours per kilogram, two to three times higher than commercial counterparts. They also operate over an impressive temperature range, from freezing to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We’re past the proof-of-principle stage for the fully functional supercapacitor,” he says. “Now we’re gearing up for small-scale manufacturing.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Governments have cooperated with powerful corporate lobbyists the ensure that hemp is lumped into the same category as marijuana. The primary reason is that hemp has too many abundant resources for fuel, housing, food, medicine that corporations cannot exploit. Think about how many polluting conglomerates would go down if hemp was permitted as a resource. The oil, pharmaceutical, supplement and constructions industry would need to radically shift their business model to survive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mitlin, who conducted the research while at the University of Alberta, acknowledges funding from <a href="http://www.albertatechfutures.ca/" target="_blank">Alberta Innovates Technology Futures</a>, <a href="http://nint-innt.ca/" target="_blank">National Institute for Nanotechnology</a> (Canada) and <a href="http://alma.alberta.ca/" target="_blank">Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency</a>.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Environmental Benefits of Hemp</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp results in a 95.5% fuel-to-feed ratio when used for pyrolysis the thermochemical process that converts organic matter into fuel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Biomass has heating value of up to 8,000 BTU/lb., with virtually no residual sulphur or ash during combustion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp is the #1 producer of biomass per acre in the world. Biomass energy expert Lynn Osburn estimates that 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 million acres of hemp would replace all of Canada’s fossil fuel demands.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* From 75°/O to 90% of all paper was made with hemp fiber until the late 1800’s.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* An acre of hemp will produce as much pulp for paper as 4,1 acres of trees over a 20 year period.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* The hemp paper-making process requires no dioxin-producing chlorine bleach and uses 75% to 85% less sulphur-based acid.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp paper is suitable for recycle use 7 to 8 times, compared with 3 times for wood pulp paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp produces the strongest, most durable natural soft-fiber on earth. Until the 1 820’s, up to 80% of all textiles and fabrics for clothes, canvas, linens and cordage were made principally from hemp.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp cloth is stronger, more durable, warmer and more absorbent than cotton. Best of all. ‘ grown in Canada, cotton cannot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* An acre of land will produce 2 to 3 times as much fiber as cotton, about 1,000 Ibs. of fiber per acre.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp grown in most parts of Canada will require no herbicide, fungicide or insecticide applications. Up to ½ of all agricultural pesticides used in North America are applied to the cotton crop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Natural, organic hemp fiber breathes and is recyclable, unlike petroleum-based synthetic fibers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* A fully mature hemp plant may contain 1/2 of its dry-weight in seed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Once hemp seed oil has been extracted, the remaining seed cake is second only to soya bean for protein content and is an excellent source of <a href="http://wakeup-world.com/category/health-wellbeing/nutrition/">nutrition</a> for either farm <a href="http://wakeup-world.com/category/animals/">animals</a> or humans.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Agricultural Benefits of Hemp</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* England, France and Spain have all legalized low THC varieties of hemp for an agricultural crop. England planted 1,500 acres of hemp as a first year crop. Reports from England state that farmers are receiving in excess of 3,000$ per acre for their hemp crop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Low THC hemp is not suitable as a psychoactive drug.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* A Canadian report from the late 1800’s demonstrated that hemp works very well in rotation with bean and corn crops.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* In 1991 Ontario farmers receiver 290$ and 240$ per acre for grain corn and soya bean respectively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp was grown successfully in Canada for over 100 years. For a period in the late 1800’s Canada produced ‘hi: of all England’s hemp requirements. At kite time, England was the largest hemp consumer in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* In the 1930’s, a South Western Ontario newspaper reported that Canadian grown hemp was among the best in the world and far superior to tropical hemp.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* In Canada hemp can be grown successfully from our southern borders to approximately 60O North Latitude, the parallel that divides the North West Territories from the provinces. This remarkable range is possible due to hemp’s short growing season, usually 90 to 110 days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* The hemp plant will reach a height of up to 5m (16ft.) and sink a main tap root down 1 ft. This tap root will draw nutrients from deep in the soil and make them available to subsequent crops when the hemp leaves are shed on the soil. This extensive root system also helps to alleviate the problem of soil compaction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp is very easy on the soil and returns up to 60% of the nutrients it takes from the soil, when dried in the field.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* A report from Kentucky states that hemp was grown on the same land for 14 consecutive years without soil depletion or reduction in yield.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp is very economical crop to grow since it requires virtually no pesticide applications.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp is also relatively drought-resistant and has been relied upon several times during drought-induced famine for its high protein seed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Hemp is very resistant to increased UV radiation and should not suffer decreased yields, unlike soya bean and corn.</div>
<b>Article</b><b> Sources:</b><br />
<br />
By <a href="http://preventdisease.com/" target="_blank" title="www.preventdisease.com">Marco Torres</a><br />
Guest Writer for <a href="http://wakeup-world.com/2014/08/31/cannabis-based-batteries-could-change-the-way-we-store-energy-forever/">Wake Up World</a><br />
<a href="http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2014/august/could-hemp-nanosheets-topple-graphene-for-making-the-ideal-supercapacitor.html" target="_blank">acs.org</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sacredearth.com/" target="_blank">sacredearth.com</a><br />
<a href="http://preventdisease.com/home/tips105.shtml" target="_blank">preventdisease.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/87.html" target="_blank">cannabisculture.com</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-15942169873612050582013-07-02T19:18:00.003-07:002013-07-02T19:18:36.339-07:00HEMP - RT NEWS - ABBY MARTIN<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Abby Martin takes a look at the real reason why hemp </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is illegal in the US, the truth might surprise you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MAJOR USES OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP:<br />The three primary components of industrial hemp, seeds, fiber, and hurds, and have a multitude of beneficial industrial uses
(historical, current, and potential), including: <br /><br />SEEDS
- the seeds are a highly nutritious food for both humans and animals,
and yield hempseed oil for nutrition, soaps, cosmetics, paints,
varnishes, etc.
<br /><br />· Food:<br />Hemp oil is mostly
valued for its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). At
80%, the hempseed oil contains the highest concentration of total PUFAs
in the plant kingdom, the majority
of which are the two essential fatty
acids (EFA) linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
Its balanced EFA ratio, which closely matches human nutritional
requirements, makes hemp oil a suitable
ingredient in a variety of food,
supplement and personal care products. Added to the value of hemp oil is
the presence of a rare fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is
used to treat ailments such as
neurodermatitis, arthritis and
premenstrual syndrome.<br /><br />· Chemicals:<br />Like flax seed oil (also
called linseed oil) or cottonseed oil, hempseed oil can be processed
into a number of valuable products such as
biodiesel, soaps, cosmetics, paints
varnishes, etc. <br /><br />FIBER - the durable natural fiber from the
stalks can be used for textiles, clothing, canvas, rope, cordage, for
archival grade paper, &
composite fibers replacing heavier toxic
fibers (e.g. fiberglass), and building materials made with recycled
plastic and fiber.<a href="http://www.azhemp.org/Archive/Package/Uses/break.jpg"><img align="RIGHT" alt="Click picture for latger view" border="0" height="316" hspace="5" id="Picture7" src="http://www.azhemp.org/Archive/Package/Uses/a_breakthm.jpg" vspace="0" width="200" /></a><br /><br />· Textiles, Rope & Cordage:<br />The
strength, absorbency and
comfort of hemp fiber is unmatched by
any other natural fiber. Historically, hemp rope and canvas was
extensively used on large sailing ships due to its strength, resistance
to salt water
rot and UV resistance. The original
"Levis" brand jeans earned their reputation for strength and durability
while made of hemp canvas. <br /><br />Nowadays hemp textiles are
increasingly viewed as an
environmentally sound alternative to
cotton and dominate the alternative natural fiber market in clothing and
fashion wear. Due to its porosity and absorbency, hemp fabrics take
dyeing very well, and are
compatible with natural mineral and
plant based dyes. Currently, everything from diapers to bed-sheets are
available made of hemp and hemp blend fabrics. Major
manufacturers such as Nike, Two-Star
Dog, Indigenous Designs, Artisan Gear and others enjoy success with
their various hemp textile products.<br /><br />· Composite Fibers:<br />
Natural fiber composites are now
emerging as a realistic alternative to wood-filled and glass-reinforced
composites, especially in automobiles. The can deliver the same
performance at lower weights, or be
25-30% stronger at the same weight. Moreover, they exhibit a favorable
non-brittle fracture on impact, another important requirement in the
passenger compartment.<br /><br />
The aerospace and aviation industries
are also attracted to natural fibers due to the reduced toxicity of
synthetic substances when they burn. It has been claimed that
many people have died in what would have
been survivable crashes, except for the fumes inhaled from toxic
substances burning.<br /><br />HURDS - from the woody core of the stalks,
and the bulk of
that stalk, can be used for paper,
animal bedding, oil absorbent, soil amendment, chemicals, plastics,
& fuels (ethanol, methane, co-firing with coal), etc. <br /><br />· Paper:<br />
During the processing of hemp, a large
quantity of waste material is produced. It was recognized rather early
that this material could be used as a feedstock for papermaking. In
1916 the USDA published a report
entitled "Hemp Hurds as a Papermaking
Material" in which the authors used chemical pulping methods to reduce
the material to fibers. After subsequent bleaching, the
material was formed into paper. The
resulting paper was judged to be of a sufficient quality to meet the
specifications of the US Government Printing Office. In
fact, the strength and fold endurance
exceeded a typical wood-based material produced at that time. The fiber
yield from the hurds ranged between 35 and 44%, which,
when corrected for the weight of dirt,
corresponds to 38 to 47% yield. A chemical analysis of the hurds
suggests they are 55% cellulose and 25% lignin, similar to many
hardwoods. With modern process
optimization, it is likely that the fiber yield would be nearly 50%.<br /><br />The
value of the bast fibers as a component in paper pulp
is widely acknowledged. An analysis of
the bast fibers shows that they are composed of 70% cellulose and 8%
lignin. Given that this material is chemically quite different
than the hurds, it likely would have to
be processed separately, but would likely have a 70% yield to fiber. If
one does a weighted average of 50% yield for the hurds
and 70% for the bast fibers, one obtains
a value of 55% fiber yield from retted hemp stalks. <br /><br />· Plastics:<br />Hemp
hurds also serve as a renewable source of raw
material for the production of plastics,
and are much cleaner and more environmentally attractive than
petroleum. <br /><br />· Fuels:<br />Use of the hemp hurds as a biomass for fuel production is
attractive for a number of reasons:<br /><br />Biomass-produced
fuels, animal feeds and industrial chemicals are economically
competitive, for example: (1.) A mixed alcohol fuel would sell for 70
cents a gallon today
compared to 80-90 cents a gallon for
MTBE and $1.10 to $1.20 for ethanol. (2.) Biomass-derived ketones such
as acetone can sell for 65 cents a gallon rather than the
current market price of $2 a gallon for
ketones from conventional petrochemical technology. (3.) Carboxylic
acids from biomass technology can sell for 10 cents a
pound compared to 20 cents a pound for
the conventionally produced version. <br /><br />Unlike ethanol mixtures, mixed alcohol fuels ship compatibly with gasoline in pipelines. <br /><br />
Chemicals produced from biomass are all
oxygenates, which are difficult to produce from oxygen-free petroleum.
Introducing oxygen into petroleum increases risk of
explosion, compared to the inherent
safety of biomass oxygenates. <br /><br />Mixed alcohol fuels can be added
directly to motor fuel. They're an alternative oxygenate for making
clean-burning
fuels and especially attractive in light
of the recent California ban on methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE )
that has contaminated ground- and drinking water.<br /><br />
Biomass-derived fuels do not contribute
to global warming because the carbon dioxide cycles, the CO2 released to
the atmosphere during biomass combustion, is offset by the
CO2 taken from the atmosphere (through
photosynthesis) by the plants used to create the biomass. <br /><br />ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<br />NOTE:
Above is only a brief summary of the beneficial uses
and attributes of industrial hemp. More
data is readily available by typing "industrial hemp" into any Internet
search engine, and following the links to a multitude of
sites. We particularly recommend these:<br /><br />North American Industrial Hemp Council </span><a href="http://www.naihc.org/" target="NewWindow"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.naihc.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Hemp Industries Association </span><a href="http://www.thehia.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.thehia.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />VoteHemp.com </span><a href="http://www.votehemp.com/" target="NewWindow"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.votehemp.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association </span><a href="http://www.hempgrowers.com/" target="NewWindow"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.hempgrowers.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />HEMPTECH The Industrial Hemp Information Network </span><a href="http://www.hemptech.com/" target="NewWindow"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.hemptech.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.azhemp.org/Archive/Package/Uses/uses.html">http://www.azhemp.org/Archive/Package/Uses/uses.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-68249751701680169552013-04-03T01:49:00.000-07:002013-04-03T01:52:53.591-07:00HEMP 101<span style="font-size: large;">A short film about the miracle plant called hemp. Get to know
potentially the greatest land plant that could tremendously benefit
humanity and the planet and find out why the criminal federal government
doesn’t want you to grow it in the US.</span><br />
<br />
<center>
<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vZvFE53JzDk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vZvFE53JzDk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecannabiscure.blogspot.com/2013/04/us-patent-no-6630507.html" target="_blank">The Department of Health and Human Services hold the patent 6630507,
<b><span style="color: #006600;"> </span></b></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thecannabiscure.blogspot.com/2013/04/us-patent-no-6630507.html" target="_blank">Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants, a medical hemp patent.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-2833610009489170212013-01-25T15:12:00.000-08:002013-01-25T15:44:45.967-08:00THE NEW INDUSTRY<center>
<img src="http://www.annybelle.org/restore_hemp.jpg" /></center>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Hemp
seeds make biodiesel fuel. </span></span></span></b>
<br />
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Hemp biomass makes ethanol. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Hemp makes more
biofuel than any other plant. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">When we allow farmers to grow hemp for its
best fuel attributes, regardless of THC content, we will realign our
whole economic system by replacing fossil fuel with biofuel. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">The laws
against marijuana are wrong. Marijuana prohibition is a conspiracy from
the rulers of this world today, the very wealthy, the oligarchy, to keep
the wealth in their hands.</span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"> Petroleum is capital intensive, hemp is
naturally decentralized. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Very few people in this world have enough
capital, enough money, to compete in the petrochemical industries. You
can buy 10 hemp seed presses for the price of one small car. It takes
billions of dollars to build an oil refinery, and they are incredibly
toxic. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Hemp will create untold multitudes of jobs and return economic
control to the people. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">No more wars for petroleum when we start to use
hemp again, instead. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Hemp can lead the way to economic and ecological
sustainability, and help save the remnants of our biosphere's precious
heritage, the diversity of life that we should bequeath to future
generations. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">SOURCE and more info: - <a href="http://www.hemp.org/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.hemp.org</a></span></span></span></h5>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-14054676235305535632013-01-15T16:44:00.001-08:002013-01-15T16:49:13.620-08:00ISOCHANVRE - New Product<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">New Product: Isochanvre, Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Material for Housing</span></h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;">French
company, Isochanvre SARL, has developed a method of crystallising the
sap of unstable raw hemp or shiv. The resultant material known as
Isochanvre®, is finding numerous uses in thermal and acoustic
insulation as well as now being used as a construction material.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Isochanvre
is mixed with hydraulic lime and water to bind it together, then
packed into timber formwork and left to solidify like concrete. It is
easy to work with and requires less skill than common brickwork.
Construction times are lower than brick, no cavity is required and
neither is a damp proof membrane. As an additional environmental
benefit, it takes only 4 months to grow the raw material for a house.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">SO<span style="font-size: small;">U<span style="font-size: small;">RCE: <a href="http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2040" target="_blank">NEW PRODUC<span style="font-size: small;">T <span style="font-size: small;">- ISOCHANVRE</span></span></a></span></span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-22821975185264021532012-11-26T14:10:00.000-08:002016-05-30T18:18:34.190-07:00Emperor of Hemp: The Jack Herer Story<center>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">Emperor of Hemp: The Jack Herer Story</span></center>
<br />
“The earliest known woven fabric was apparently of hemp, which began to be worked in the eighth millennium (8,000-7,000 B.C.).” (The Columbia History of the World, 1981, page 54.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">"The Prophet of Pot" reveals the propaganda to criminalize hemp use.</span><br />
<br />
Here you will find information about Jack Herer, maintained by Jeannie Herer. This website is used as a resource to keep you informed about Cannabis Hemp and the relevance it plays in our culture. Please share your comments to the articles and send us a message using the contact form.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jackherer.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.JackHerer.com</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jack and Jeannine Herer have provided a copy to the BOOK, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, you will find the tab at his above site. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Thank You Jack!</span> </span></div>
<br />
In memory of Jack Herer<br />
<br />
Jack Herer was a pro-cannabis (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Cannabis (drug)">marijuana</a>) and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Hemp">hemp</a> activist. He wrote two books, the aforementioned <a class="external text" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" rel="nofollow"><i>The Emperor Wears No Clothes</i></a> and <i>Grass</i>. There has also been a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Documentary film">documentary</a> made about his life called, <a class="external text" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" rel="nofollow"><i>The Emperor of Hemp</i></a>.</span><br />
<br />
He believed that the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Cannabis">cannabis</a> plant should be decriminalized because it has been shown to be a renewable source of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Fuel">fuel</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Cannabis foods">food</a>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Medical cannabis">medicine</a> that can be grown in virtually any part of the world. He further asserts that the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="U.S. government">U.S. government</a> deliberately hides the proof of this.</span><br />
<br />
A specific <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Jack Herer (cannabis)">strain of cannabis</a><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2">[2]</sup> has been named after Jack Herer in honor of his work. This strain has won several awards, including the 7th <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="High Times">High Times</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Cannabis Cup">Cannabis Cup</a>. Jack Herer was also inducted into the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Counterculture Hall of Fame">Counterculture Hall of Fame</a> at the 16th Cannabis Cup in recognition of his first book.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3">[3]</sup></span><br />
<br />
Herer ran for <span style="color: black;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="United States President">United States President</a> twice, in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="United States presidential election, 1988">1988</a> (1,949 votes) and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="United States presidential election, 1992">1992</a> (3,875 votes) as the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Grassroots Party">Grassroots Party</a> candidate.</span><br />
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Health_Problems_and_Death">Health Problems and Death</span></h2>
In July 2000, Herer suffered a minor <span style="color: black;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Heart attack">heart attack</a> and a major <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Stroke">stroke</a>, resulting in difficulties speaking and moving the right side of his body.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4">[4]</sup> Herer mostly recovered, and claimed in May 2004 that treatment with the <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Amanita muscaria">Amanita muscaria</a></i>, a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Mushroom">psychoactive mushroom</a>, was the "secret".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5">[5]</sup></span><br />
<br />
On September 12, 2009 Herer suffered another heart attack while backstage at the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Portland Hempstalk Festival">Hempstalk Festival</a> in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Portland, Oregon">Portland, Oregon</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6">[6]</sup> He spent nearly a month in critical condition in a Portland hospital, including several days in a medically <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Induced coma">induced coma</a>.
He was discharged to another facility on October 13, 2009. Paul
Stanford of The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation said "He is waking up and
gazing appropriately when someone is talking... but he is not really
communicating in any way."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7">[7]</sup> He died aged 70 on April 15, 2010 in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Eugene, Oregon">Eugene, Oregon</a>, from complications related to the September 2009 heart attack.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8">[8]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9">[9]</sup></span><br />
Herer was buried at the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Eden Memorial Park Cemetery">Eden Memorial Park Cemetery</a> in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7737161387876799810" title="Mission Hills, California">Mission Hills, California</a>.</span><br />
<br />
Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Herer">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Herer</a><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-42557876528329376692012-11-13T16:53:00.000-08:002012-11-13T16:53:06.782-08:00HEMP INDUSTRIAL USE<center><img src="http://www.annybelle.org/grow_hemp.jpg" width="550"></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-45589846204910565622012-06-15T23:15:00.000-07:002012-06-15T23:15:15.758-07:00HEMP FACTS<center><img src="http://www.annybelle.org/hemp_facts.jpg" width="500"></center><br><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-66218233510862518492012-06-06T08:43:00.003-07:002012-06-15T23:18:12.611-07:00HEMP SEED OIL<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: large;"><b>Overview</b></span><br />
<br />
Hemp seed oil is considered to be the best nutritional oil for health
because its essential fatty acid (EFA) profile is closest to that
required by the human body. Essential fatty acids are termed as such
because the body cannot manufacture them. Therefore, they must
continually be replenished in the diet. EFAs are not stored or used for
energy as are other fats. Instead, they are used as raw materials for
cell structure and as precursors for the synthesis of many of the body’s
vital biochemicals, including hormones and prostaglandins.<br />
<br />
Because our brains are made of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, many
assume that the only way you should obtain these is by eating such
things as fish, which have the long-chain fats. Such plant sources as
hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and flax seed oil are made up mainly of
medium-chain fats, which non-vegetarians quickly point out. However,
when long-chain fatty acids are eaten, they must be emulsified by bile
salts in the small intestine before they can be absorbed into the body.
Short- and medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed directly through the
portal vein to the liver, where they are immediately available to the
body.<br />
<br />
Hemp seeds are the only natural source to boast of having the ideal
ratio of EFAs required by the human body, which is roughly 3:1 of
omega-6 to omega-3, the two most important EFAs. Flax oil ranks second
as a valuable EFA source, but flax seed is not in the optimal
proportion. Rather, it has the opposite ratio – 1:3. After about two
years of regular use, flax seed can evenually cause omega-6 deficiency
symptoms.<br />
<br />
By weight, hemp seed is 30-35% oil, of which 80% consists of
polyunsaturated EFAs, specifically the two most important ones –
linoleic acid (LA – omega-6 at 60%) and linolenic acid (LNA or ALA –
omega-3 at 20%). These are the parent compounds which build longer-chain
fatty acids. LNA then converts to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) – two of the most critically needed forms of EFA
and LA converts to AA (arachidonic acid), which has opposite effects of
those from DHA.<br />
<br />
An excess of AA – the result of too much omega-6 – ultimately leads to
such health problems as inflammation and, more importantly, increases
blood clotting, which can cause heart attack, stroke, or embolism. In
the last 40 years, the American diet has become loaded with excess
omega-6 from corn and soybean oil, margarine, and similar processed
fats. At the same time, Americans eat 500 mg of omega-3 per day, much
less than they need. Consequently, instead of the 3:1 ratio they should
be getting, most people consuming the western-type diet, end up with a
ratio of 50:1.<br />
<br />
Other fatty acids in hemp seed oil include: Palmitoleic acid,
Heptadecanoic acid, Arachiditic acid, Eicosenoic acid, Behenic acid,
Erucic acid, Lignoceric acid, and Nervonic acid; but it also contains
several higher fatty acids. It is one of the only food oils to contain
the direct metabolites of LA and LNA. Most notable are GLA (gamma
linolenic acid from LA) and SDA (stearidonic acid from LNA), which serve
as intermediaries in the formation of longer-chain fatty acids and
vital hormone-like prostaglandins in the body. Because of this, hemp
seed oil is able to circumvent the impaired EFA metabolism and physical
compromise that can result from genetic factors, intake of other fats,
aging, and lifestyle patterns.
<br>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Gamma Linolenic Acid</b></span></h3><br><br>
GLA and SDA are not considered to be “essential” because the body is
also able to convert some of the parent compounds into GLA and SDA, a
process that happens through the enzymatic action of delta-6-desaturase.
However, there are many health conditions and nutritional deficiencies
that interfere with this process. Therefore, GLA may very well be an EFA
for such individuals as the elderly, diabetics, those with excessive
cholesterol, common viral infections, and a zinc deficiency. It is vital
for those consuming an excess of saturated fats, refined oils, fried
foods, alcohol, and sugar. Trans-fatty acids also inhibit the production
of GLA and SDA.<br />
<br />
GLA is used in both the pharmacological and cosmetic industries. The
most important use is in the area of chronic skin disorders such as
neurodermatitis. Used both internally and externally, GLA can balance a
lack of essential fatty acids and return the moisture loss of the skin
back to normal hydration. The alleviating action of GLA on psoriasis,
atopic eczema, and mastalgia are already well documented and GLA
preparations are frequently prescribed for the treatment of them. GLA
has also been researched for its beneficial effects in cardiovascular,
psychiatric, and immunological disorders, particularly that of
rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and premenstrual syndrome.<br />
<br />
GLA is found in minute quantities in most animal fats. Oats, barley, and
wheat germ also contain small amounts, as does human milk. Excellent
sources of GLA, though, are hemp seed and hemp seed oil (2-6%),
blue-green algae (spirulina), evening primrose oil, black currant seed
oil, borage oil, and some fungal oils. None are as tasty as hemp seed
oil and consequently, not nearly as versatile either.<br />
<br />
In order to introduce hemp seed oil into medicinal preparations, it
would be necessary to increase the GLA content in the seed from the
present 2-4% to about a 10% level. Hemp oil with a 10% GLA content would
immediately replace other oils. A seed-hemp cultivar (Finola) grown in
Finland, and now in Canada, has GLA and SDA levels of 4% and 2%
respectively.<br />
<br />
Symptoms of an LNA (omega-3) deficiency include: dry skin, growth
retardation, weakness, impaired learning ability, poor motor
coordination, behavioral changes, impaired vision, high blood pressure,
sticky platelets, edema, mental deterioration, low metabolic rate, and
immune dysfunction (see more under Hemp as Medicine)<br />
<br />
Although LA (omega-6) is present in our bodies in much greater
quantities and because the western diet has an over-abundance,
deficiencies are rare but can happen. <br><br>
Symptoms of an LA deficiency include: skin eruptions (acne and
eczema-like), loss of hair, poor blood circulation, behavioral
disturbances, liver and kidney degeneration, gallbladder problems,
prostatitis, muscle tremors, abnormal water loss through the skin
(sweating profusely), susceptibility to infections, impaired wound
healing, male sterility, miscarriage, arthritis, cardiovascular disease,
and growth retardation.<br>
<br />
These deficiency symptoms are all reversible with adequate intakes of
EFAs but if ignored for a long time, health problems can develop into
more serious degenerative conditions.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br><br>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Saturated Fatty Acids</b></span></h3>
While there are many pictures of the horrors of eating saturated fats
being painted today, they are necessary to the body. It is the excess
consumption of them from meat and fried foods that raise blood levels of
LDL cholesterol. This excess contributes to the formation of arterial
plaque, thus raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.<br />
<br />
Saturated fatty acids (SaFAs) are an important source of calories. When
our energy needs are met, our bodies metabolize excess fatty acids into
SaFAs for storage as adipose tissue. There are only small quantities in
vegetable oils – about the right amount that is actually needed. Hemp
seed oil is composed of about 8% saturated fat.<br />
<br />
Foods grown closer to the equator have a higher quantity of SaFAs and
less of the polyunsaturated fatty acids. The reverse is true for foods
that grow closer to the poles in the colder climates. The reason for
this is that plants and seeds that must survive freezing temperatures
produce fluids that remain liquid even below the freezing temperature.
Tropical plants produce oils that will remain stable in hot conditions.
This is the reason that SaFAs are often solid at room temperature while
polyunsaturated fatty acids remain liquid at below-freezing
temperatures.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br><br>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>EFAs</b></span></h3>
<ul>
<li>link oxygen, electron transport, and energy in the process of
oxidation. Oxidation “burns’ food to produce the energy required for
life processes. EFAs are involved in the transporting of oxygen to all
our cells and can be likened to magnets that pull oxygen into our body.
EFAs appear to hold oxygen in cell membranes to act as a barrier to
viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
</li>
<li>increase metabolic rates and burn more fat into carbon dioxide, water, and energy, sometimes resulting in weight loss.
</li>
<li>form cell membranes and function and keep them fluid, maintain
hormone balance, prevent drying and cracking skin conditions, bring
sheen to the hair, helps prevent cardiovascular disease, arthritis,
auto-immune disorders and more,and help with wound healing, breast pain,
pre-menstrual syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.
</li>
<li>help produce life energy in our body from food substances, and
moving that energy throughout our systems, thereby governing growth,
vitality, and mental state.
</li>
<li>particularly, ALA and its derivatives, can lower cholesterol up to 65%.
</li>
<li>ldisperse throughout the body, giving biological systems the
power to carry such substances as toxins to the surface of the skin,
intestinal tract, kidneys, or lungs, where these substances can be
discarded.
</li>
<li>are vital since the brain is comprised of 12% fat, mother’s
milk is 40% fat, and the eyes are 60% fat – of which, DHA from omega-3
is the most abundant! DHA stays in the body for only about a week so
must be replenished frequently for optimal health.
</li>
<li>are very sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. Therefore, hemp foods should be stored in cold, dark places to preserve potency.
</li>
<li>lsubstantially shorten the time required for fatigued muscles
to recover after exercise. They also facilitate the conversion of lactic
acid to water and carbon dioxide, which is especially important to
athletes.
</li>
<li>In hemp seed oil, they do not change when heated. The smoking
point is 332°F (165°C), but the oil can be cooked at temperatures up to
475°F for no longer than 30 mintes. Tests have shown that this
temperature does not change the configuration of fatty acids in the hemp
seed oil as it does in some other edible oils. This ability to
withstand heat is quite unique among polyunsaturated fats, since most
oils – like canola, soy, flax, and fish oils – quickly convert to
trans-fats when heated at much lower temperatures for far less time.
Even fish, when cooked, can convert its omega-3 to trans-fats.<br>
<br />Combining hempseed oil with temperature-stable oils increase the
ability of the hempseed oil to withstand heat and provides the most
‘good’ fat and fewest trans-fats from cooking. The ideal oil for this is
avocado oil, which has a smoke-point 50% higher than olive oil. It also
has a large percentage of monosaturated fatty acids, which have a
positive effect on health. Hemp seed oil maybe added to avocado oil at a
5-10% level (3-6 tbsp of hemp seed oil per quart of avocado oil). This
amount will provide a good amount of omega-3 while still withstanding
the heat of normal cooking. The use of this avocado-hemp seed oil blend
is perhaps the most healthful choice possible, since it will displace
the use of other less-healthful cooking oils and butter.
</li>
<li>have a slippery quality that helps make blood platelets less
sticky. Sticky platelets clot more easily and can block blood vessels,
causing stroke, heart attack, or embolisms. EFAs, on the other hand,
help to clear the body’s arteries caused mainly by the imbalance of EFA
ratios in the fats that are consumed.
</li>
<li>convert into hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins,
which regulate such cellular functions as communication, cholesterol
production, and blood platelet aggragation. Since different
prostaglandins often have opposite effects, they are needed by the body
in a delicate balance obtained from a balanced intake of the two
essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3). For instance, the
prostaglandins that key up the body’s response to stress are all made by
omega-6 fatty acids while the ones that gear down the body’s response
to stress are nearly all made by omega-3 fatty acids. Not surprisingly,
stress-related diseases tend to respond to omega-3 supplementation.
</li>
<li>are precursors to the prostaglandin series (PGE 1, 2, and 3).
PGE1 inhibits the production of cholesterol and dilates blood vessels
and prevents the blood clotting of platelets in arteries. A study
reported in 1992 indicated that a diet of hemp seed causes the serum
levels of total cholesterol to drop dramatically. Blood pressure also
decreases after several weeks of eating hemp seeds, apparently because
of the steady supply of EFAs.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>EFA Dosage</b></span></h3>
Although there is no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) for
EFAs, many experts recommend a minimum of 3% of calories from omega-6
and 1% from omega-3 fatty acids. Pregnant or lactating women should
double this intake.<br />
<br />
One tablespoon of hempseed oil or 1 ounce of shelled hempseed supplies
roughly 6.6 grams of omega-6 and 2.2 grams of omega-3 - just the amounts
needed for a 2000-calorie diet. This is a suitable amount even for
vegetarians and takes into account the conversion ration of 1% ALA to
DHA, the currently accepted conversion rate for plant sources of
omega-3s. However, those who lack suchenzymes as ethnic groups with a
history of high fish intake may have difficulty converting ALA to DHA.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>EFA Labeling</b></span></h3>
In the modern Western diet, omega-6 is plentiful to excess; but omega-3
is relatively rare. In Canada, there is a strange law that makes it
illegal to disclose any omega or EFA content on a product label. Only
polyunsaturated, monosaturated, and saturated fats are permitted. This
is just one of the regulations in Canada designed to favour dairy
concerns over public health. To make matters worse, it is illegal to
favour dairy alternatives and promote them – ironically, in a land noted
for its omega-rich canola, flaxseed, and hemp seed crops.
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Essential Fatty Acid Comparisons</b></span></h3>
The ideal ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids
(LA:LNA) in the human body is 3:1. Based on this, the following
comparison is made among the most common edible oils:<br />
<ul>
<li>Flax seed oil -- 1:4
</li>
<li>Canola oil -- 2:1
</li>
<li>Hemp seed oil -- 3:1
</li>
<li>Soybean oil -- 8:1
</li>
<li>Olive oil -- 9:1
</li>
<li>Wheatgerm oil -- 10:1
</li>
<li>Sunflower oil -- 71:1
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>THC Content</b></span></h3>
Many people still remain fearful that consuming hemp oil will cause a
positive reaction in drug screening tests. Although this was possible at
one time, the chances are very slim that could ever happen today.
According to Dr. Jace Callaway, a Finnish scientist and developer of the
FIN-314 variety of hempseed (<a href="http://www.finola.com/">Finola</a>),
in a personal correspondence, in the early days of hempseed processing,
much of the hempseed oil was taken from Chinese hempseed where the THC
(delta-9-tetra-hydro-cannabinol) was typically 1% or higher on uncleaned
seed. THC levels in those oils varied according to whether or not the
seed was cleaned before pressing. Today, almost all hempseed oil is
produced from clean, low THC varieties from the EU and other certified
sources.<br />
<br />
Technically, there is no THC in hempseed. It is found only in the
flowers, buds, and leaves of cannabis. However, since the seed is
produced in those areas of the plant, resin can remain during harvesting
and processing. Any levels of THC in seed and seed derivatives are
residual and attributable to the plant variety and to the cleaning
process. Extensive cleaning may lower THC levels, but some residual
resin can remain on the seed. This problem is now dramatically minimized
or even eliminated since the advent of very low THC varieties, as
FIN-314 from Finland, Santhica from France, and many others.<br />
<br />
THC build-up, or bioaccumulation, in the body is really not relevant to
health and only significant in the interpretation of urine tests. Hemp
foods are generally processed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F).
Because of this heating, a portion of the THC (if there is any) will be
in its naturally free carboxylate form. This is important because the
THC-carboxylate is not absorbed by the digestive system.
Steam-sterilized seed, for example, has a higher percentage of its THC
(if any exists) in this ‘free form’, compared to the fresh viable seed.<br />
<br />
Under the <a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/pubs/precurs/hemp-indus-chanvre/guide/overview-apercu/therapeu/proces-transform_e.html">Industrial Hemp Regulations</a>
published by Health Canada, allowable THC content for oil and other
derivatives is currently set at no more than 10 mcg/g of THC (that is,
10 milligrams per litre or 10 parts per million or 0.00001% or 10 ppm).
Switzerland, on the other hand, has a limit of 50 ppm or 50 mg/kg for
hemp oil products while hempseeds are set at 20 mg/kg. To reach even
these conservative levels, a hemp food lover would have to consume more
food than would be feasible.
<br />
Some are worried about giving hemp foods to children since they are more sensitive to chemicals in general (see <a href="http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/organics/synchem.htm">here</a>).
Cannabinoid receptors are developed during puberty. Therefore, since
little or no THC exists in hemp foods today and what does exist is in a
‘free form’ and, since children would not be affected anyway, there is
no reason why they cannot eat these healthy products. They obtain far
more harm from all the processed foods already served to them on a daily
basis.<br />
<br />
Dr. Gero Leson has worked on several projects that involve TCH urinalysis using hempseed oils. Some examples are found here:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/pres/jat/2001/00000025/00000008/art00005">Evaluating the Impact of Hemp Food Consumption on Workplace Drug Tests</a>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.naihc.org/hemp_information/content/THC_emp_drug_testing.html">Evaluating Interference of THC in Hemp Food ProductsWith Employee Drug Testing</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.testpledge.com/foods.htm">TestPledge</a> helps
alleviate concerns that eating hemp foods or using hempseed products
will cause positive drug tests. Hempseed producers that have signed with
TestPlege are obligated to comply to their standards/
<br />
A <a href="http://www.hempreport.com/response/response_january_2001.html">2001 assessement</a> of THC in foods and cosmetics by Dr. James Geiwitz and an Ad-hoc committee.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Low Fat Diets</b></span></h3>
Reductions of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in ultra-low fat and fat-free
diets actually cause people to feel hungrier than they did before going
on such a diet. It can also begin the process of dangerous EFA
deficiency which causes people to binge on high-calorie foods to
compensate for feeling unsatisfied.<br />
<br />
The body absolutely requires fat in the diet in order to process such
fat-soluble nutrients as vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as
phytochemicals. Fat substitutes, like Olestra, Oatrim, and Simplesse for
example, slide through the digestive system intact – which most people
think is advantageous. But, fat substitutes compound a problem by not
only being unable to aborb these nutrients into the body, but also they
carry them directly into the feces for elimination.<br />
<br />
Fat-free diets have been correlated with violent, short tempers in human
and animal studies. Such diets can also cause high cholesterol levels
because the body produces excess cholesterol in an attempt to make up
for the lack of EFAs.<br />
<br />
Hempseed oil, therefore, may be thought of as a “diet” oil, because it
contributes fewer calories than most other oils or fats and because it
is so rich in EFAs, vital for cell metabolism. Experts say getting more
than 12-15% of calories from EFAs will actually aid in burning off
excess fat and thereby contributing to weight loss.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Problems with Fish Oil</b></span></h3>
Today, many people are trying to obtain their omega-3s from fish or fish
oil supplements. There are problems with this approach. For the vegan,
and some vegetarians, this source is not an option and should not be for
many others as well. Some of these concerns are addressed in the
section entitled <a href="http://www.innvista.com/health/nutrition/fats/fishoils/default.htm">Inferiority of Fish Oil</a>.
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Trans-fats</b></span></h3>
According to the FDA, the average American eats 5 grams of trans-fats
every day. This is the equivalent of 1000 mg of omega-3s per day -- if
this amount were replaced by hempseed oil. Trans-fats are so toxic to
the body that the FDA is expected soon to require food labels to
disclose thier content in the nutritional facts panel on packaged foods.
One FDA scientist believes that removing trans-fats from margarine
would save 2,100 deaths annually in the US, and removing them from just
3% of the cookies and crackers would prevent 5,600 deaths per year. Over
twenty years, health costs would be reduced by $59 billion.<br />
<br />
One way to determine roughly the trans-fat content of a food is to add
the number of grams of polyunsaturated, monounsaturate, and saturated
fat listed in the “nutrition facts” panel. Subtract that from the ‘total
fat’ listed. The remainer is approximately the amount of trans-fat in
the product.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><b>Oil Processing</b></span></h3>
Hemp seed oil is obtained much like other vegetable oils. Typically,
whole hemp seeds are put into a special press that squeezes out the oil.
Hemp seed oil is best extracted mechanicallty in a light-free and
oxygen-free environment and should be stabilized with such antioxidants
as vitamin E, vitamin A, or rosemary extract to prevent rancidity. The
package should then be topped off with an inert gas, as nitrogen or
argon, and kept from heat and light. Maximum ripening of the seed and
removal of immature seeds are important for the production of quality
oil. Large, dark, plump-looking seeds make the best oil.<br />
<br />
Unrefined hemp seed oil extracted by cold-pressed methods varies in
colour from off-yellow to dark green; but all still have that pleasant,
nutty taste. Oil that tastes ‘off’, with a ‘fishy’ or a ‘paint’ smell is
rancid and should be discarded. Old seeds can have an orangey colour,
resulting from the enzyme lipase digesting the fat in the seed. Hemp
seed is full of enzymes, including lipase and protease. In fact, it was
in hempseed that scientists first discovered enzymes. The sharp taste of
fresh hemp seed is caused by these enzymes.<br />
<br />
Since manufacturing quality will greatly impact the quality of the oil,
it is advisable to purchase only the highest-quality hemp seed oil.
Although hemp seed oil is expensive in comparison to refined,
solvent-extracted, or heat-pressed oils, it is far superior in
nutritional value. It is estimated that if cultivated again in the US,
the cost of hemp seed oil would be comparable to that of corn oil.
<br />
Hempseed oil is best stored in the freezer. It will stay fluid and does
not need to be defrosted. One to 3 tablespoons is the suggested daily
intake for adults; children can take half that amount; and breast-fed
babies obtain its benefits through the mother’s milk.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/hemp/hempoil.htm">http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/hemp/hempoil.htm</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-65375450782429273292012-06-04T14:12:00.002-07:002012-06-15T23:19:45.563-07:00The New Healthy Oil<h1>
<span style="font-size: small;">Hemp seed oil: The new healthy oil</span></h1>
<div>
Hemp seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the <i>Cannabis
sativa</i> plant, has been named nature's perfect food due to its balanced
concentrations of omega fatty acids. Hemp used to be consumed worldwide, as it
was one of the first cultivated and consumed crops. There is a misconception
that hemp contains THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis
plant. Needless to say, this is false. Although relativity new to the Western
Hemisphere, hemp seed oil is now widely available in health-food
stores.<br /><br /><b>Balance is key</b><br /><br />The seed of the hemp plant contains
some of the most balanced and richest sources of oils on the planet. The ideal
3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is recommended by the <i>World Health
Organization</i> for optimal utilization. The essential fatty acids in these
oils are fundamental in restoring health and immune function. Hemp seed oil
contains 80 percent essential fatty acids, the highest of any
plant.<br /><br /><b>Be sure to get your daily EFAs</b><br /><br />Hemp seed oil's
exceptional concentrations of EFAs (essential fatty acids) are what make it so
special. In concept, this oil could provide all of our EFA necessities for life.
Essential fatty acids are the omega fats that cannot be produced by the body and
must be ingested. They are known for their role in preventing heart disease,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis and much
more.<br /><br />The seven-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Johana Budwig, a pioneer of
EFA research, reported success in treating heart infraction, arthritis, cancer,
and other common diseases with massive doses of EFAs.<br /><br />Essential fatty
acids are indispensable for the function and development of the brain and
nervous system and the production of healthy cell membranes. They also supply
hair and skin with necessary nutrients and aid in various other functions in the
body.<br /><br /><b>An alternative to fish oil </b><br /><br />Fish oil supplements are
a great source of EFAs, particularly Omega 3s, which is why they have become so
popular. However, for those who are vegetarian, they are not an option. There
are also concerns that some sources of fish oil are contaminated with mercury
and other toxins. Hemp seed oil, which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9, is a great
alternative that will provide the same benefits as fish oil without the danger
of ingesting toxins.<br /><br /><b>Hemp seed oil for hair, skin, and
nails</b><br /><br />Hair, skin, and nails are all formed from the same line of
dermal cells, so it is no surprise that people who use hemp oil report thicker
and shinier hair, softer skin, and stronger nails. Since hemp seed oil is nearly
identical to our own lipids, it is capable of penetrating our cells and
lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin
but blotches and lesions as well. It can detoxify the skin and even out skin
tone. You can safely use hemp oil as a skin moisturizer without worry of it
clogging the pores.<br /><br /><b>Eczema</b><br /><br />Of the many possible uses of
hemp oil as a direct treatment, its efficacy at treating eczema is one of the
most promising. Researchers, led by Dr. J. Callaway at the Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kuopio,
Finland, studied the benefits of hemp seed oil on patients with atopic
dermatitis (eczema) and reported the following results: "We saw a remarkable
reduction in dryness, itching and an overall improvement in
symptoms."<br /><br /><b>Special properties of hemp oil:</b><br /><br />-Only plant
containing vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption<br />-Contains
vitamin E in advantageous amounts<br />-Relives premenstrual stress<br />-Has
unequaled anti-inflammatory properties not found in other oils<br />-Is a natural
sunblock<br /><br /><b>Second to none</b><br /><br />Hemp seed oil products are true
superfoods that are brimming with greatness. When speaking of hemp seed oil Dr.
Callaway also remarked, "I'd have to conclude that this is probably the
healthiest oil on the market."<br /><br /><b>Sources for this article
include:</b></div>
<div>
<b> </b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/">http://www.naturalnews.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.earthlybody.com/hemp_seed_oil/5-Health-Benefits-Of-Hemp-Seed-Oil.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.earthlybody.com</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.nutraingredients.com/Consumer-Trends/Hempseed-oil-may-benefit-eczema-symptoms" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.nutraingredients.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=64" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.<wbr></wbr>regenerativenutrition.com/<wbr></wbr>content.asp?id=64</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.hemp-guide.com/hemp-oil-benefits.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.hemp-guide.com/<wbr></wbr>hemp-oil-benefits.html</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.downtoearth.org/health/nutrition/benefits-essential-fatty-acids" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.downtoearth.org</span></a><br /><br /><b>About the
author:</b><br />John Mckiernan is a health and fitness writer. He is the owner of
<a href="http://supplementhelper.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Supplement Helper</span></a> where he writes
about supplements, health, fitness and more. He also manages <a href="http://cnainfo.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">CNA Info</span></a>, a small blog that is aimed at answering
questions for those interested in becoming nursing assistants. All articles are
contributed by Fallon C Clark, California registered CNA.
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-35255942816380018982012-05-08T09:30:00.000-07:002012-06-15T23:21:03.649-07:00HEMP and TRUTH SeminarRick Simpson speaks to the people of the world in his CRUSH CANCER WITH
HEMP AND TRUTH FREE INTERNET SEMINAR, all about curing cancer and other
diseases with hemp oil.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Permission to download, copy, and repost is granted and also encouraged
so that it may be seen by the largest global audience possible.<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please
share with everyone you know. </b></span>For more information on Rick's courageous
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medication... please visit us at <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.phoenixtears.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.phoenixtears.ca">http://www.phoenixtears.ca</a> or watch and download your FREE copy of RUN FROM THE CURE:<br />
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The Rick Simpson Story at <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.phoenixtearsmovie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.phoenixtearsmovie.com">http://www.phoenixtearsmovie.com</a><br /><br />Produced and Directed by Christian Laurette for Phoenix Tears<br />Special thanks to M.U.M.M. <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://mumm.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://mumm.ca/">http://mumm.ca/</a><br /><br />AVI-File: <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar.avi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar.avi">http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeI...</a><br /><br />MP4-File: <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_512kb.mp4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_512kb.mp4">http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeI...</a><br /><br />Ogg Video: <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar.ogv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar_607/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeInternetSeminar.ogv">http://www.archive.org/download/RickSimpsonsCrushCancerWithHempAndTruth-FreeI...</a><br /><br />Phoenix Tears: <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://phoenixtears.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://phoenixtears.ca">http://phoenixtears.ca</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-44037723355949660062012-04-17T22:16:00.000-07:002012-04-18T18:11:15.364-07:00The time is NOW when we must begin to RE-THINK EVERYTHING. Discernment. A very important word. Hemp could be a HUGE industry and a resource to get this country back on its feet causing the least harm to the planet. Wow, there is a great concept hey? Let's do it. How do we start?<br />
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<center><img src="http://www.annybelle.org/hemp_uses.jpg" /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-83766735800568757912012-03-28T15:03:00.000-07:002012-04-18T18:10:17.134-07:00<center><a href="http://kingstoncompassion.org/cannarchism.png" target="_blank">
<img src="http://www.annybelle.org/cannabis_vs_corporations.jpg" width="660"/></a>
<br />
<font size="4">See full Picture at the link below. <br />
<a href="http://kingstoncompassion.org/cannarchism.png">http://kingstoncompassion.org/cannarchism.png</a></font></center><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737161387876799810.post-91265370033482011612012-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:002012-03-24T18:40:47.273-07:00Collection of LinksFormer Heart Surgeon: "A Bud a Day will Keep the Stroke Away"<br />
<a href="http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-former-heart-surgeon-a-bud-a-day-will-keep-the-stroke-away-20120322,0,7732180.story">http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-former-heart-surgeon-a-bud-a-day-will-keep-the-stroke-away-20120322,0,7732180.story</a><br />
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Court Orders Marijuana Smoker's Son Taken, Police Kill Man When Serving OrderUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0