New Mexico: Amber waves of hemp?

From Capitol Report New Mexico - by Rob Nikolewski - Let’s talk hemp. But first, let’s dispense with all the Cheech and Chong jokes and I promise this post will not include any lame puns about pot or weed or getting the munchies, etc. Let’s get the facts out first: Hemp is not the same thing as marijuana. It is a fiber that is produced by the cannibas family of plants. You cannot smoke hemp. (Well, you could but it would not get you high, just sick.) The hemp fiber is used to make things like rope, clothing, textiles, lotions and even construction materials such as strengtheners for concrete. Some energy bars include hemp seeds because the seeds are rich in Omega 3s, 6s and 9s.In countries like Canada, the Ukriane and France, farmers and ranchers grow industrial hemp as a cash crop because
A) it’s easy to grow
B) it doesn’t cost much to maintain or water, and
C) it’s profitable.
For example, in 2008 Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps sold $29 million in hemp-related products. Okay, but what does this have to do with New Mexico? Well, state Sen. Cisco McSorley (D-Albuquerque) would like to see the state pass a bill allowing the production of industrial hemp. He thinks it could help farmers and ranchers, who are struggling in the current economy. After all, New Mexico has plenty of land and its climate may be conducive to the growing of hemp because the fiber does not need much water. Read more

New Mexico: Amber waves of hemp?