Hemp News
Global: Professor Raphael Mechoulam - Discovery of THC and Beyond
By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Staff
Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli professor for Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. While working on research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Michoulam succeeded in the isolation, structure elucidation and total synthesis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active principle of cannabis. He and his research group have also succeeded in the total synthesis of the major plant cannabinoids delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol and multiple others. Another research project initiated by him led to the isolation of the first described endocannabinoid anandamide which was isolated and characterized by two of his postdoctoral researchers, Lumír Hanuš and William Devane.
Over the past few years, Professor Mechoulam, has become a great inspiration to activists, doctors, scientists and citizens worldwide for his dedication and continual striving to find cures to devastating human ailments, such as PTSD and chronic pain.
Canada: Research for the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol from Sustainable Feedstock Begins
Naturally Advanced Technologies Agrees with the National Research Council of Canada to Collaborate on Research for the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol from Sustainable Feedstock
This Research is Intended to Develop New Enzyme Technology for Cellulosic Ethanol Manufacturing
By Michael Bachara, Hemp News Staff
Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT) amended its agreement with the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada to include collaboration on cellulose technology research for the production of cellulosic ethanol from sustainable feedstock, such as corn stalks and straws, the unexploited byproduct in agri-food production. In my opinion, this is a huge step toward sustainability and mankind's ultimate survival.
Research Timeline
* The NAT - NRC collaboration began in 2004 and was extended in 2007 for the design and construction of advanced enzyme technology for the extraction and cleaning of industrial hemp fiber for the textile sector, as spearheaded by Dr. Wing Sung. (See Video Below)
* As this research is in the final stages, the two parties have agreed to divert existing funding commitments to pursue additional opportunities for the advanced enzyme technology, namely in cellulosic ethanol.
UK: East Anglia Growers in Switch from Peas to Hemp
By MICHAEL POLLITT, AGRICULTURAL EDITOR
East Anglia's vining pea growers could switch to a profitable alternative crop and plant hemp this spring, members of Norfolk's oldest farming club have been told.
And Europe's biggest hemp proces-sing plant at Halesworth is planning a £5m investment to boost production of insulation materials, said managing director Mike Duckett.
He told members of Stalham Farmers' Club that a housing development of 114 houses at Diss will use the environmentally-friendly material, made from hemp and lime, he said.
While the automotive industry was turning hemp fibre into a light-weight and strong car panels, Mr Duckett said that the crop's green credentials was starting to win major markets. The factory, which had the capacity to process seven tonnes an hour, was opened in July 2008.
"When we're running at full pelt, we will be processing about 50,000 tonnes each year. Now, today, we are not only processing hemp but also linseed straw. We're also turning 1,0000 tonnes of rape straw this year into animal bedding so spreading the risks,"said Mr Duckett. It was acquired by Lime Technology from administration in June last year and renamed Hemp Technology.
Since the modern hemp processing industry had started in 1993 by Harlow Agricultural Merchants, better growing techniques and processing had increased the potential opportunities, he added.
New York: Medical Marijuana Debate Heats Up at the Capitol
By DEMETRA GANIAS
ALBANY, N.Y. -- A push to allow for medical marijuana has passed a State Senate committee in hopes that the issue will come to the floor for a full Senate vote this session.
But there are serious concerns among law enforcement that the need for weed could spark new public safety problems.
Michael Kessler of Elmira broke his back in 6 places, then burned 90% of his body in a motorcycle accident.
Timothy Cerrone of Amsterdam has multiple sclerosis, and needs injections to be able to see.
They're among thousands of patients who say medical marijuana is the best way to help dibilitating pain, and won't damage to the liver as badly as decades of taking prescription drugs.
South Dakota: Voters Could Legalize Medical Marijuana
By KSFY Staff
Tuesday, thousands of signatures were submitted to South Dakota officials which could bring the issue of legalizing medical marijuana to a public vote in November. The South Dakota Coalition for Compassion turned in more than enough petitions to put the issue on the ballot. They've been collecting the petitions for over a year now with a door to door search for signatures as well as other methods.
Multimedia
Patrick Lynch is in support of legalizing medical marijuana and suffers from M.S., which can be treated by medical marijuana. His mother and sister also have M.S. and he's hoping the issue is on the ballot and passes. "The pros far out weigh the cons on the medical marijuana issue to where if people really truly understood it they would be more receptive of it"
California: Medical Marijuana Has Merit, Research Shows
Although Research Shows Medical Mariuana Works, Critics Say California Center's Research Is Flawed
By Kathleen Doheny, WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Marijuana can be a promising treatment for some specific, pain-related medical conditions, according to California researchers who presented an update of their findings Wednesday to the California Legislature and also released them to the public.
"I think the evidence is getting better and better that marijuana, or the constituents of cannabis, are useful at least in the adjunctive treatment of neuropathy," Igor Grant, MD, executive vice-chairman of the department of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California, tells WebMD.
"We don't know if it's a front-line treatment. I'm hoping the results of our studies will prompt larger-scale studies that involve a much more varied population."
"This [report given to the Legislature] sets the stage of larger-scale studies,'' he says.
Some experts who reviewed the report say some of the studies are flawed and that they worry about the long-term health effects of marijuana smoke.
Perspective: Medical Marijuana Research
Global: U.S.-Mexico Drug Summit Fails to Acknowledge Obvious Solution to Violent Drug Cartels
Ending Marijuana Prohibition Would Deal Crucial Blow to Mexican Drug Cartels, Drastically Reduce Border Violence.
Salem-News.com
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, high-ranking officials from the United States and Mexico concluded a three-day conference meant to outline ways the two nations could reduce the illicit drug trade-associated violence that continues to plague the U.S.-Mexican border.
Unfortunately, officials concluded their talks without making any reference to the most sensible and guaranteed strategy for reducing that violence: removing marijuana from the criminal market, and depriving drug cartels of their main source of income and strife.
“The only solution to the current crisis is to tax and regulate marijuana,” said Aaron Houston, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Once again, Mexican and U.S. officials are ignoring the fact that the cartels get 70 percent of their profits from marijuana. It’s time to face the reality that the U.S.’s marijuana prohibition is fueling a bloodbath in Mexico and the United States.”
The Obama administration has said it will provide the Mexican government with a $1.4 billion aid package to combat the Mexican drug cartels, in addition to seeking $310 million in its 2011 budget for drug enforcement aid to Mexico.
California: 'Cannabis Planet' Promotes All Uses of Pot
Trey Bundy, Special to The Chronicle
Anyone who doubts the mainstreaming of the cannabis industry might want to skip "Letterman" and check out "Cannabis Planet." The weekly program, premiering in the Bay Area at midnight Friday on KOFY-TV, intends to promote the benefits of marijuana, but viewers shouldn't tune in expecting "KOFY and Bong Hits."
"It's that stoner mentality we're trying to get away from," says creator and executive producer Brad Lane. "We're pro-recreational use, but we're not rubbing people's faces in it."
The show is structured around a pair of cannabis news anchors (yes, one of them has dreadlocks) and a mashup of educational segments, such as cooking demonstrations for hemp smoothies and medicated chicken stir-fry, and cannabis cultivation tips with marijuana guru Ed Rosenthal.
Lane pays KOFY to put "Cannabis Planet" on the air, like an infomercial, and generates revenue by running ads during the show for companies that produce grow lights, plant food and other products geared toward the cannabis industry. His operational philosophy is "Fuel, food, fiber, medicine," and he's bent on showing the public that medical marijuana isn't just for those with serious illnesses. He claims cannabis can alleviate everything from menstrual cramps to sleep disorders, and personally uses marijuana to curb attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, from which he's suffered since his days in Montessori school.
Global: Ford Focus 'Spearheading' Recycling Campaign
The Ford Focus is spearheading a comprehensive European Recycling Campaign, the car manufacturer has said.
The campaign has created over 300 separate car parts formed with recycling materials and diverts around 20,000 tonnes away from landfill each year.
Ford recycled materials include recycled plastics that make up 25% of heater and air conditioned housing, 50% of battery trays and recycled materials that make up 100% of fabric seat options.
Sources for this recycled material are everyday items as diverse as plastic bottles, CDs, computers and even denim jeans.
The noise insulation in all Ford vehicles is made from jeans and reclaimed car seat upholstery.
Ford is undergoing developments to create more alternative bio-based materials in order to decrease dependence on oil based products.
Ford researchers are currently developing new materials that include more natural ingredients such as soy flour, hemp and cellulose.
Source: http://www.insideireland.ie/index.cfm/section/news/ext/fordrecycle001/ca...
Canada: Manitoba Harvest Expands Distribution in Europe
WINNIPEG, Manitoba–Exports of products from Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils™ have grown more than 500 percent during the past year, according to the company as it plans to exhibit its full line of hemp foods at the organic trade show BioFach from February 17 to 20, 2010.
This is the third consecutive year that Manitoba Harvest has exhibited at BioFach, which is held annually in Nuremberg, Germany. The show will feature more than 2,500 exhibitors, and is expected to attract more than 45,000 retailers and industry experts from more than 100 countries. At the show, Manitoba Harvest will announce a new distribution partnership that will help the company expand into previously untapped regions of Germany and eastern European countries such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. In 2009, Manitoba Harvest exported products to eight nations (in addition to the United States) including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland and Japan.
United States: Opinion - Cannabis Key to Future of U.S.
Ancient plant has many uses, from medicinal to industrial
By Jesse Rowland
Ever since I first learned what it was, I've been fascinated by marijuana. It's a miraculous plant that can and has been used for a multitude of purposes since at least 8,000 B.C.E.
I feel that marijuana is a vital part of the continuation of our country and the planet, and it should be fully legalized for the use of whatever people see fit, including recreational.
Cannabis can be adapted with any industry, be it agricultural, medical, construction, textile or cosmetic. In Jamestown, Va., in 1619, a law "ordered" all farmers to grow marijuana for the colony. Similar laws were also passed in Massachusetts and Connecticut in 1631 and 1632. In Virginia, during times of shortage between 1763 and 1767, you could actually be jailed for not growing it.
Henry Ford, who designed a vehicle made out of hemp fibers and powered by hemp seed oil, once said, "Why use up the forests which were centuries in the making and the mines which required ages to lay down if we can get the equivalent of forest and mineral products in the annual growth of the hemp fields?"
And it makes sense. Why, as the most powerful country on the planet, would we not utilize the most versatile plant known to man?
United States: Industrial Application of Natural Fibers to be available in April
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibers. Events were organized around the world to enhance awareness of the benefits to workers, consumers and the environment of using natural fibers and to bring natural fiber organizations together to promote common interests. Accordingly, natural fiber organizations will continue working together beyond 2009 under the auspices of the 'Discover Natural Fiber Initiative.'
Natural fibers are being used increasingly in industrial applications, especially as reinforcement for plastics. A new book, 'Industrial Application of Natural Fibers,' will be available in April 2010. This essential resource brings detailed information about natural fibers, including information about agricultural production, fiber separation, fiber processing and manufacturing of final products. The book focuses on important materials such as emerging applications in polymer composites, non-woven or felted products and textiles.
The book has 20 chapters spread over 576 pages and covers structure, properties and technical applications of most natural fibers, including coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, silk, sisal and wool.
International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)
Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=...
United States: Opinion - Why the Tycoons Fear Hemp
From drugs to oil
By Brandon Romines, Helium
Tycoons fear hemp because it could out compete products in many industries. Marijuana, the psychoactive form of hemp, is truly a medicine that has been mislabeled a drug. Not one death can be attributed to marijuana, a claim not even aspirin can make.
Industrial hemp, contains almost no tetrahydrocannibinol(THC). Hemp can be used to produce fuel, fabric, paper and even furniture. The cannabis plant is one of the most versatile plants in the world.
Though marijuana is less harmful and the effects more mild than alcohol, it is an illegal drug. Simply by smoking this plant, many chronically ill patients feel relief many prescriptions can't provide, and with none of the drawbacks.
Marijuana is not physically addictive, it has never killed anyone, and anyone who really needed it could grow it easily enough themselves. Corporations are scared of the cannabis plant because of all of it's qualities. They would make no profit if everyone could grow their own medicine!
New Mexico: New Disease Approved for Medical Marijuana Treatment
By Taryn Bianchin, KOB.com
Medical marijuana users celebrate a victory as another condition is added to the list of diseases that qualify for the state's medical marijuana program.
So far, there are 1,188 active patients in the Department of Health's medical marijuana program. Over the last year, a total of ten new diseases have been added to the list.
Under the new addition, people with inflammatory auto immune-mediated arthritis can now apply for a medical marijuana card in New Mexico.
Essie de Bonet is one of the many New Mexicans who believes in the benefits of medical marijuana and she worked closely with Governor Richardson to push the reform.
Colorado: Sensible Colorado's Brian Vicente on Legalization
Brian Vicente thinks the time will be right in two years for statewide marijuana legalization.
By Michael Roberts, Westword
In today's Denver Post, columnist David Harsanyi argues that the debate over medical marijuana is dishonest in part because advocates actually want legalization -- a goal that might be hurt by the passage of Representative Tom Massey's medical marijuana bill, because it would give dispensaries a monetary incentive to fight against it.
Sensible Colorado's Brian Vicente doesn't buy that argument, and no wonder. While he opposes Massey's measure as currently written, he's in favor of both regulating medical marijuana and marijuana legalization.
Vicente insists that the former isn't a stealth tactic to advance the latter. However, he confirms that he's working toward putting a measure to make marijuana legal for Colorado adults on the 2012 ballot.
Regarding Harsanyi's argument that dispensary owners might actually fight against marijuana legalization if a bill regulating the medical marijuana industry passes, Vicente says, "That's just fundamentally untrue. Most dispensary owners are believers that marijuana has real value for sick people. They've seen that it's not the demon weed the government often makes it out to be."
Moreover, he believes the mainstreaming of medical marijuana will help the average person to realize that legalization needn't be feared.
