Decriminalisation of cannabis would open many new areas for government
consideration.
 Economy
Everyone knows a
fortune could be saved in enforcement costs should we take a new approach.
Of course not all
smokers have the facility to grow their own cannabis—many don’t even have a
garden! Does that mean they should be forced to buy their pot on the black market?
The Federal and
State governments reap billions of dollars annually in taxation from tobacco and alcohol
taxes. It is not inconceivable that a similar income could be generated from the regulated
sale of cannabis. In the 1960s, US tobacco companies researched the manufacture of
cannabis cigarettes and have already registered brand names. We believe they are ready to
go into almost immediate production pending government legislation and a reliable source
of supply. As we mentioned earlier, packaged cannabis cigarettes used to be commonly
available in Australia. The flow-on from this would be an industry that provides rural
employment and a huge taxation income.
Employment
Thousands of
experienced young Australians are busy in the hemp growing industry already —
illegally! At the moment they face a future as criminals; under decriminalisation they
could be respected for their knowledge and skill. For the alienated, this may be a gateway
back into society.
The Nimbin Hemp
Embassy gets many enquiries from the farming community about growing cannabis. If allowed,
they would soon work out what was economical and viable.
Industry
Cannabis (hemp) is
perhaps the most useful plant in the world. A short time ago hemp was the biggest
commercial crop on the planet. Before Prohibition it was the backbone of many sustainable,
profitable industries. Some of hemp’s many uses are:
Cloth: Hemp
provides a unique durable, high-quality long fibre. The original Levis jeans were made
from hemp cloth. The word ‘canvas’ comes from cannabis. Hemp rope and canvas
sails powered every navy in the world for hundreds of years, and are still highly valued
for their superior qualities. Hemp clothing is extremely popular in Australia now, but it
is all imported! Research for hemp growing in Australia’s unique environment is way
behind the rest of the world.
Building: New
particle board being made in America from hemp fibre is stronger, lighter and potentially
cheaper than any other similar material. It is exciting the building industry. Henry Ford
built a virtually indestructible prototype car from a hemp product like bakelite when he
was campaigning to end cannabis prohibition in America.
Paper: Hemp
produces the highest quality paper without having to chop down forests or use harmful
chemical processes, remember two fast-growing crops per year! American currency notes are
still made of mostly hemp fibre! Hemp paper is highly recyclable and is used in all
archives because of its long-lasting qualities. China is the main producer, but will not
export one sheet because it is too valuable!
Food: Hemp seed,
the second highest protein-containing foodstuff next to soy beans, was a staple food for
some cultures. It can also be used for animal feed, dietary supplements, cosmetics, etc.
Before whaling, most of the world’s lighting fuel came from hemp seed oil.
Fuel: Hemp stalks
can be used to produce fuel-grade alcohol ("hemp-ohol") cheaper than sugarcane.
Medicine:
Medicinal cannabis is a safe, cheap and reliable herb that is suitable for a very wide
range of ailments.
Environment
Wild cannabis held
the Himalayas together until the Americans poisoned it, resulting in massive erosion.
Cannabis grows in nearly any climate or terrain, has deep fast-growing roots and reseeds
easily. 
Industrial hemp is
an extremely hardy plant that requires a minimum of fertilisers and chemicals. Two crops a
year can be grown without significantly degrading the soil. Hemp can equally form the
basis for sustainable environmentally-friendly cottage industry or broad-acre industrial
farming. |
