Fast-growing hemp stalks and leaves are well-suited for cheap fermentation into ethanol, and for compression into fuel pellets. The seeds produce a bio-diesel that's far superior to what comes from soy.
Alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical and law enforcement/prison-industrial industries--not to mention entrenched narco-terrorists--are leading the fight against legal pot.
But the industrial production of hemp would also transform the industries for paper, cotton, textiles, plastics, fuel, fish oil and more. The economic, ecological and employment benefits would be incalculable.
When Californians go to the polls November 2, they may end a marijuana prohibition that's had devastating impacts on state's public health and civil liberties, while costing it billions.
They'll also decide whether California--and, ultimately, the US--will resume production of history's most powerful, versatile and profitable industrial crop, one ultimately certain to be worth far more than marijuana.
One that was essential to this nation's founding--and that could be central to its economic, ecological and agricultural revival.
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