Jack Herer is personified as a saint by many of his fans. In his groundbreaking book The Emperor Wears No Clothes, Mr. Herer documents history and research that leads readers to believe cannabis, mainly hemp, can mend our unsustainable economy built on finite resources and endless growth. Industrial hemp is woven into the evolution of modern society. The Chinese produced paper by mixing hemp and other fibers – granting the ability to record history, ideology, statistics, innovations, etc. In Europe, hemp fiber was used to fabricate sails and rope – making long distance naval travel possible. Hemp – a strong hardy fiber – contributed to European travel across the Atlantic (in the 1700’s) and subsequent discovery of the America’s. Hemp seed and fiber was mandatory in early long distance travel. Used as grain for food or seed, hemp could be brought anywhere and offered the ability to reproduce sustainable supply of food and fiber. Hemp was an integral part of society prior to Reefer Madness and the War-on-Drugs. This resource had been largely lost in modern society until Jack Herer and others reminded us of its potential. Some believe hemp can save the world, but as we are too often reminded: ideology is constantly confronted by material realities such as economy and law. With cannabis legalization seemingly inevitable, this beneficial crop continues to face scrutiny. On the North Coast, hemp – the cousin of medicinal cannabis – is seen as more pariah than savior. And why we collectively ask? Well, as Mr. Herer curses from his saintly perch in the clouds, let us ask the old man in the hills…
The views and opinions expressed by the old man in the hills does not reflect the views and opinions of the Humboldt Underground. HU feels obligated to provide a voice for all in our community. Our goal is to move the conversation forward and all points-of-view are legitimate (unless hateful or discriminatory). Every voice in our community deserves to be heard.
Yeh we need to grow hemp to save the planet
Ok that’s cool hemp is awesome it can change the planet we can cut down less trees…. make paper clothes…. diapers for the old…… whatever
But has anyone thought about the pollen?
Yeh hippie do-gooder’s…… how will you feel when hemp pops up next to your garden
Your filters will not stop those hemp sperm from f-ing your plants and making seed
say goodbye to seedless…. No more sensimilla….
But it’s more important to save the planet right?
No you will probably fight hemp farms next to your grow and if you have some politician in your pocket you might win
Do-gooder’s gonna ruin everything
See if I care
the old man in the hills like ie cummings does not use punctuation or capitalization and like james michener likes run on sentences and unlike all you lemmings diving into the corporate way of doing things….. he is free
Agree with the old man in the hills? Disagree? Let him know what you think: email humboldtundergroundblog@gmail.com, subject line Re: old man. Give him a piece of your mind!
