Hemp crops also reduce pollution because they need no pesticides or herbicides. In 1916, the USDA found that one acre of hemp can produce as much paper as four acres of trees. In addition, hemp paper can be bleached without producing dioxins and recycled many more times than tree paper. Hemp rope has been valued throughout history for its superior strength and resistance to mildew and rot. Hemp seed oil is ideal for use in making paints and varnishes that dry quickly.
Hemp seed is very nutritious.
Hemp's long fibers can be woven into soft and durable fabric. The word canvas comes from the Latin word for cannabis. Hemp's high yields and quick growth make it an ideal biomass energy crop. American farmers should be allowed to supply domestic hemp to these businesses. And, since hemp is a value-added crop, hemp industry would create thousands of processing and manufacturing jobs in such industries as textiles, plastics, pulp paper, energy, lumber, insulation, nutrition, and cosmetics.