Pubdate: Wed, 03 Jan 2007
Source: Jamaica Gleaner, The (Jamaica)
Copyright: 2007 The Gleaner Company Limited
Contact: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/feedback.html
Website: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/493
Author: Erika Middleton Yuille

THE BENEFITS OF HEMP

The Editor, Sir:

Would someone please look at the prospect of growing  hemp? Yes, it is
a member of the cannabis family, but  will actually 'cancel' the
hallucinogenic qualities of  marijuana if grown close to its cousin
plant.

Hemp requires no pesticides and grows faster than  cotton. My country
(United States) and its politicians  have everyone thinking that hemp
is marijuana.  Actually, the U.S. grew hemp before World War II.

Hemp can be used as fuel, rope, paper and clothing. I  would love to
see Jamaica formulate its own degumming  process too ... the fabric
actually gets stronger after  wetting.

Please be careful. I read the article on the cure for  cancers, too. I
am so afraid that the white businessman  and his greed will continue
to 'screw' black islands  and continents. They continue to try to
destroy Mother  Africa, because of its natural resources. I am an
African-American female, who simply loves the beauty  and simplicity
of your island. Sometimes modern  technologies cause us to forget to
think for ourselves.

I don't know that much about Rastafarianism, but I do  believe that
they believe in the simple things. I  believe that the good Lord put
everything that we need  right outside our windows.

Hoping to live in Jamaica one day!

I am, etc.,

Erika Middleton Yuille,

Columbia, Maryland
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MAP posted-by: Derek