In recent times, growing and possessing hemp it has posed considerable controversy. But, in times past, growing hemp was not only encouraged, but at one point it appears that growing hemp may actually have been mandatory, at least in the early Colonial days, providing employment for many and income for farmers.
Since the 1930s, growing or using hemp has not only been frowned upon but viewed as illegal. As hemp appears to be a rather controversial topic, it might be interesting to review its past history.
Books, dictionaries and encyclopedias all describe hemp as a plant whose use dates back centuries for ceremonial, medicinal and industrial uses. Various references suggest that hemp growing and usage has roots in Asia, but became common in our nation.
Mark Bourrie in his book on Hemp wrote, "Hemp has been in cultivation for over 10,000 years; is the world's strongest natural fiber; was grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; was the main cash crop of New France, mandated by Louis XIV, hemp rope used in rigging a man-of-war weighed 60 tons; hemp is now used for insulation, clothing, fuel, and even cosmetics."
John Bakeless, in his book, "America as seen by its first explorers -- The Eyes of Discovery," recorded many instances of the use of hemp, primarily Indian hemp that was used in the colonies. Some of the uses recorded by Bakeless included in Georgia, where the natives were using hemp fibers in linen for cloth, and that the floors of some Native Americans were covered with carpets woven from wild hemp.