Pubdate: Thu, 30 Oct 2014
Source: Star-Banner, The (Ocala, FL)
Copyright: 2014 The Star-Banner
Contact:  http://www.starbanner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1533
Author: Charles V. (C.V.) Bryant

POT AS A CASH CROP

I read the piece about the Amendment 2 Proposition, which was so
insightfully and skillfully written for the argument of a "Yes" vote.
Perhaps most notable of all isn't the fact that it is one of the
leading stories in the news so much as it has brought to fore the
discussion of the proper place in our modern society for something as
old as planet Earth itself.

Call it what you will, but the myriad possible uses for the marijuana
plant go far, far beyond simply "medical marijuana." Perhaps of more
benefit are the potential ramifications of the utilization of
industrialized marijuana, which could be found in everything from
plastics to clothing fibers to fuel. On a per-acre basis, so much
foliage of this plant in an industrial breed/application could be
grown that the raw materials it would yields might well create a cash
crop demand unparalleled since the days of "King Cotton" in the late
1800's.

The key to rapid utilization of industrialized cannabis is that it
holds so little of the THC that is present in it's kindred strain that
is so controversial among those in the public and private sector now.

As an industrial crop first, it could be easily taxed and used for
purposes other those that cause rancor and fear among the general
public. Opening our collective minds as a nation first is the key
before any initiative can take place in the realm of legalization of
anything so contentious as marijuana.

Charles V. "C.V." Bryant

Ocala
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MAP posted-by: Matt