Recently I found myself and some friends in a discussion about the government’s role in promoting sustainability, in light of the recent reports on climate change. One of them mentioned the controversial history of the hemp plant and how the Canadian government has recently changed its legislation on the matter. My research led me to an interesting case study in environmental economics and government regulation.
Hemp, or Cannabis, is most widely known for producing the drug THC, which is a large contributor to the black market in North America. As it turns out, however, the plant exhibits some other remarkable properties more suited to agriculture and industrial cultivation. A December 2003 report on Cannabis from Agriculture Canada states:
“[Hemp’s] advantages are hard to beat: it thrives without herbicides, it reinvigorates the soil, it requires less water than cotton, it matures in three to four months, and it can yield four times as much paper per acre as trees. Hemp can be used to create building materials that are twice as strong as wood and concrete, textile fiber that is stronger than cotton, better oil and paint than petroleum, clean-burning diesel fuel, and biodegradable plastics. In addition, it can produce more digestible protein per acre than any other food source.”
Early colonizers of North America embraced the crop as a reliable source of durable food and fabric, so much so that it was considered a staple for early settlers. In the early 20th century, however, growing concerns about the dangers of smoking marijuana led to strict regulations on who could legally grow cannabis. For a long period growing and cultivation of Cannabis was illegal. This law persists in the United States.
The root of this problem lies in the distinction of different species under the genus Cannabis. Unlike poppy plants and opium, where offending species can be easily identified, all Cannabis plants contain at least some psychoactive compounds. Theoretically, all Cannabis has potential as a drug. This is a serious problem for any regulating authority.
In 1994, Canadian businesses and provincial governments came together to research hemp cultivation, and in 1998 it was re-authorized by the federal government. As it turns out, the optimal strains for industrial use (hemp fiber, seeds, and oil) consistently contain levels of psychoactive compounds so low that it would be nearly impossible to use them for illegal purposes. Today, a simple chemical analysis can verify these levels so that registered cultivators may grow this crop legally.
Although the majority of hemp grown in Canada today is bought by the health foods industry, a number of other fields are gaining serious momentum. A 2005 summary of industrial hemp by the government of Canada outlines numerous research projects designed to progress the production possibilities. These include efforts into developing hemp pulp and paper, packing material, insulation, and ceiling tiles, as well as optimizing the economic benefit via more efficient cultivation practices.
To me, this is a true example of scientific progress and public interest overcoming obsolete government practices for the benefit of the environment. Surely hemp alone will not save the world of its environmental issues, but in my opinion applying the same basic principles on a much broader scale would be a huge step in the right direction. A little scientific thought and a critical approach to government goes a long way – and I cannot think of a better group of people than the future engineers of the world to make this a reality.
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