History of hemp colors pot debate
I commend The Day for the editorial, “Time to engage the debate on legalizing pot in Connecticut,” (Jan 1). This, indeed, is a debate long overdue. Let us look at the matter from a wider view; to discuss only the recreational use of marijuana is to, frankly, concentrate on the oil rag and ignore the mechanic. And let us put aside the failed “war on drugs” that has wreaked so much havoc over the decades. How many are aware of the vast history behind the plant from which marijuana derives; that is, hemp?
How many are aware of the near-universal use of this annual crop that thrives in almost any climate and soil? Hemp has been cultivated and used for thousands of years by cultures worldwide. Due to wealthy business interests afraid of competition, hemp was outlawed in the United States in 1937; Hearst yellow journalism led the charge. “Reefer Madness” was propaganda. Our own George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew cannabis on their plantations. When Jefferson was ambassador to France he and his agents obtained hemp seeds that were smuggled from China to Turkey – a capital offense to the Mandarins. For far more information about this broad subject, the book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” is available free at www.jackherer.com.
Eric Straub
East Lyme