Hemp growth once encouraged, even mandated
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.