Now more than ever, hemp is a material that is beginning to become integrated into a variety of different arenas of people’s daily life. Some people use it for medicinal purposes, while others use it for making textiles, such as bags, or clothing, and now we are even beginning to incorporate the use of hemp within construction. Although the integration of this plant is becoming more and more popularized as time goes on, some people still feel the stigma against hemp as it is often associated with the recreational drug, cannabis.
As a public policy major, and an individual who pays close attention to the social movements that are being made in terms of cannabis laws in the United States, I believe that only good things can come out of the de-stigmatization of cannabis because it will open the door for hemp to be used for as a sustainable alternative for an array of products and materials, while simultaneously supporting the small communities that provide it. Because of the stigma that surrounds the drug cannabis, many people are hesitant to open their minds to the potential benefits it has when it comes to its contribution to eco-consciousness. Although the stigmatization and decriminalization of cannabis is beginning to spread throughout the nation, a significant number of individuals still object to the integration of cannabis and its contribution to sustainability is often overlooked because of this. In the article “Tribes Revive Traditional Hemp Economies” by Winona LaDuke, the author explores a variety of different topics that concern the integration of hemp within a working economy. She first touches on the contribution native tribes have made to the cultivation of hemp for over two decades. This idea helps give a new perspective to the roots of where some of our hemp comes from, which may hopefully prompt those who oppose its production to instead support its cause because of the origin of its creation. The fact that hemp production provides a gateway of inclusion for our native communities into our economy is also a concern as someone with an interest in public policy because it displays the social progress that has been made in re-integrating our native communities into spaces they have otherwise not been included in previously and in way that does not exploit or disrespect them.
One of the products that is making its way to the forefront of the discussion of hemp integration is hempcrete. This is a sustainable alternative to concrete that is made out of the inner core of the hemp plant. In a New York Times article titled “In Search for Sustainable Materials, Developers Turn to Hemp” written by Kevin Williams, this particular product along with hemp panels, and hemp blocks (made using the same concept of hempcrete) are the tokens of sustainable developments being made in the arena of construction. Although not quite cost-effective because of current low demand, these products are highly beneficial when it comes to cutting production time because of the simplicity of their installment.
As mentioned, looking through the lens of public policy we can see that incorporating hemp into various spaces has made a great impact, whether that has been through the inclusion of native communities, or making a positive contribution towards the cause of the climate crisis. The only thing holding us back from reaping the economic and sustainability benefits from hemp products is the stigma that still looms over it.