An old solution for new problems.
The qualities that made hemp one of our ancestors’ most useful and valuable resources are no less important in the 21st century. Considering the sorry state of our planet’s ecosystem and endless political turmoil over the control of finite, fossil-based energy resources, we might conclude that hemp is of even greater importance to us than to our forbears.
The medicinal value of hemp is widely accepted by medical professionals all over the world. It is interesting to note that opposition to the therapeutic benefits of hemp comes almost exclusively from law-making groups rather than those with expertise in medicine or pharmacology.
The best-known medical applications of hemp are in treating pain, asthma, glaucoma, muscle spasm and epilepsy. hemp is also extremely useful in combating the nausea, loss of appetite and general discomfort associated with the synthetic drugs used in chemotherapy and HIV treatment.
The various cannabinoids produced by hemp have numerous other medical applications and more are discovered every year as legal obstacles to hemp research are slowly overcome.
In the Netherlands, as of September 1st 2003, government-supplied hemp is available on prescription through the nation’s pharmacies. Other European countries are likely to follow the Dutch example.
Cannabis can provide a cheap, renewable and abundant food source for the planet, as it grows almost anywhere and its cultivation does not require farmers in developing countries to purchase pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers from agricultural corporations.
