Lobbying for Hemp

A few weeks ago I had an article published in the Hemp Industries Association Newsletter titled, Lobbying for Hemp. In this article I share some of my experiences in Washington DC along with some insight into why it is still illegal for US farmers to cultivate this beneficial and versatile crop. As we head into Spring-time and a renewed push for hemp farming in America, I hope you will take the time to read it, pass it along to friends, and participate in the writing of an exciting new chapter in US hemp history.
Thanks

H.R. 1866-The Industrial Hemp Farming Act

H.R. 1866 is perhaps the most straight-forward Act currently in Congress and deserves the support of all Americans. It would reflect science, by making a clear distinction between hemp and marijuana; and also grant each state the power to regulate hemp cultivation within their borders. We the People of the United States of America must not allow Congress to continue preventing our farmers from cultivating this crop that help can heal our environment and stimulate the expansion of the green economy like nothing else out there.

I ask you to please do your part by using this link to let your Representative know that you want them to co-sponsor this bill and join the other 18 Representatives who have already done so. Without more co-sponsors this bill is not likely to get the committee hearings that it deserves. I know from the time I recently spent in Washington, D.C. that without more constituents like yourself contacting their Representatives, they will continue standing on the sidelines and perpetuating the flawed federal hemp policies of the last 70 years, a course of action that we can not afford.

In solidarity for a sustainable future-David

Industrial Hemp Action Day, pt 1

I'm heading back to DC on October 6th to continue my efforts to get Congress to pass the Industrial Hemp Farming Act.  To maximize my efforts, I'm asking for you to play a part.   Below, is what I'll be doing, and after reading it I'm sure you'll know how to be involved too.

Essentially, in the next couple of weeks I'm looking to take advantage of a few events taking place in DC beginning the first weekend in October.

What I'm most excited about is the Hemp Pavilion that will be at the DC Green Festival, October 10th and 11th. 
http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc/special-programming/hia-hemp-pavilion/ 

*I intend to invite as many Representatives and/or their assistants to attend the Hemp Pavilion, to see first hand the economic potential hemp has, and to seriously consider becoming a cosponsor of H.R. 1866 The Industrial Hemp Farming Act. Until there are 100 co-sponsors of this act, no committee hearings for H.R. 1866 will take place. 

*The day after the Green Festival is the start of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) Convention: http://thehia.org where I'm hoping to meet, share ideas, and network with those in the industry. 


*Following the convention, on October 13th, the HIA is also going to be having a lobby day. I've been thinking for quite some time about trying to put together something along the lines of a national Industrial Hemp Action Day, and I feel that with the HIA action on this date, this is a great opportunity for Americans who want to see Industrial Hemp cultivation return to American agriculture to get Congress' attention in a big way. 

That's how the plan is looking for now. Feel free to share this and/or contact me with any questions or comments.

Hemp's potential is beyond our imagination.
Won't you help me in waking up the Nation?

In Solidarity for a Sustainable Future-David

********to get a better sense of where I'm coming from and trying to go with this, check out the earlier blog posts below this***

Letter to the Editor- re: Hemp for Humanity Film Fest

The following is a letter to the editor about the Hemp for Humanity Film Fest I just submitted to the Arizona Daily Sun.  Figured I'd share it here too to get the word out more.  Thanks for checking it out and passing it along.

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I am writing today to extend a personal invitation to the people of Flagstaff to attend the Free and open to all-ages, Hemp for Humanity Film Festival taking place at the Orpheum Theatre this Wednesday night - doors open at 6, show starts at 7. This event is part of my ongoing efforts to educate people and facilitate a local discussion about a plant known commonly as Industrial Hemp, and is NOT about its cousin marijuana.

I believe that in these times of economic and environmental uncertainty it is imperative that we put all of our options on the table, and unfortunately, Industrial Hemp, perhaps the most versatile crop on the planet, has yet to receive the attention it deserves.   This especially true given hemp's ability to provide us all with cleaner air, revitalized soil, and healthier water; not withstanding that hemp can be used to create a multitude of products and provides economic opportunities for Americans of all walks of life on a scale that is hard to match.  

The films I've chosen for the festival are a great introduction to the subject of Hemp cultivation, the laws of the United States which give us the distinction of being the only industrialized nation on Earth where hemp is an illegal crop; and some ideas of how we can help facilitate its return to American agriculture.

Beyond the showing of films, and a Q & A discussion, the festival will also have on display a variety of hemp products for attendees to see first hand just a tip of the Industrial Hemp iceberg, so to speak.

So please, come on down, and join me and your neighbors for a night to remember.  I'll do my best to make it worth your while.

Sincerely,

David Piller

Hemp for Humanity Film Festival 7/8/09