Interface, the world's third largest carpet manufacturer, is looking at hemp as a substitute for petroleum based fibers. International Paper, the world's largest paper company is looking at hemp as a supplement for wood. Mercedes, BMW and other European auto manufacturers are looking at hemp for dashboards and doors. Hemp has been compared to the soybean because of the many products that can be made out of different parts of the plant. Hemp is used to make paper, lip balm, snack bars, butter, beer, clothing and rope.
New products enter the market weekly.
In 1997 hemp supporters are finding a rapidly growing and respectful audience. The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post have published favorable articles. In 1996 and again in 1997 the American Farm Bureau, the country's largest farmer organization, unanimously approved pro-hemp resolutions. In the last 60 days farm bureaus in Missouri, Iowa, Virginia, and Colorado passed even stronger resolutions. As many as 20 states will introduce legislation this year to legalize industrial hemp.