May 17 – 21 is Hemp History week. This week-long dedication to hemp was designed by the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Vote Hemp as a national grassroots education campaign designed to renew strong support for hemp farming in the U.S. If you haven’t heard of local hemp farming or manufacturing that’s because the crop was banned completely in 1970 by the Controlled Substances Act despite America’s rich hemp heritage and the tremendous benefits of growing hemp.
Events have been planned in 50 states and organizers expect the campaign to collect more than 50,000 hand-signed postcards addressed to President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder asking them to end the outdated ban on hemp farming. Since the federal policy was enacted in 1970, which confuses non-drug industrial hemp with drug varieties of Cannabis, American companies making hemp products have no choice but to import their raw materials.
Sustainable hemp seed, fiber and oil are already used in nutritious food, textiles, body care and auto-parts. If the ban was lifted, U.S. farmers would be better able to manage costs, promote sustainable agriculture in the U.S., support local farming and fuel the economy.
In celebration of this effort to promote the many benefits of hemp here are five outdoor apparel companies that produce hemp products:
Patagonia Women’s Island Hemp Pants: These wide-leg pants are made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton and have a linen-like drape. With roomy front pockets, back pockets with button closures and belt loops with the convenience of drawcord adjustability, these pants are comfortable, stylish and are recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling program.
Soma Hemp Cycling Bags: Soma shows their support for hemp with their roomy Folsom Messenger Bag. The hemp canvas bag is water-proofed inside and out and has more pockets then you could know what to do with. Adjustable straps make this bag comfortable and the options of black or khaki green make the bag a seamless integration into any cyclist’s wardrobe.
Saucony Jazz Low Pro Vegan: Men and women alike can support the use of hemp with these Saucony sneakers of classic design. The shoes contain no animal products, by-products or derivatives and come in a variety of color combinations for both men and women. Be comfortable and Vegan friendly in these original kicks.
Hemp IPath: These shoes are unparalleled when it comes to their originality and diversity of design. All made from hemp, there is a shoe for every male looking to make a fashion-forward, environmentally-conscious footprint. From high tops to low tops, to purple and rasta-inspired, supporting hemp never looked so good.
Sixteen states have passed pro-hemp farming legislation to date. Get involved with Hemp History Week to support the cause and help influence significant policy changes at the federal level.
[Via: Vote Hemp]
[Photo Via: jetalone]
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