Although it is perfectly legal to import, buy, sell, and consume hemp food products in the US, hemp farming remains illegal. The reason is that US law still does not distinguish between hemp and marijuana, its psycho-active counterpart. In fact, US law is still such at odds with hemp for food and industrial purposes, that in 1996, Woody Harrelson was arrested for planting a mere 4 hemp seeds in the state of Kentucky as a sign of protest.
As a result, US farmers continue to miss out on a significant economic opportunity, and their Canadian neighbors continue to capitalize on the massive US demand for hemp products. In fact, the Canadian hemp industry has experience considerable growth year after year, and Canadian hemp food producers are reaping the benefits. As a recent press release from Canadian hemp food manufacturer, Manitoba Harvest, announced:
Winnipeg, Manitoba (February 17, 2010) – Hemp foods are one of the hottest health food trends in North America, and the export growth achieved by a fast-growing Canadian company is demonstrating that there is vibrant consumer demand for nutritious hemp foods overseas, too. Exports of products from Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils™ have grown more than 500% over the past year. [...]
During the past 5 years, Manitoba Harvest’s sales have grown more than 1,000% earning them a spot on the Profit 100 list of the fastest growing businesses in Canada.
The health benefits of hemp are numerous, so it’s little wonder that international demand for hemp foods continues to grow. It’s strange, however, that US law would distinguish between hemp and marijuana as a food stuff, but not as a crop. The results is not only that US farmers will continue to lose out on a lucrative crop, but the country as a whole will suffer as the US misses out on an opportunity to bolster its net exports and stimulate its economy in touch economic times.