The Founding Fathers of Hemp

Virginia is a state rich in history, dating all the way back to the beginning of the 13 colonies. As the United States began its life as a nation, our founding fathers began life in America. But, many people see them only as the forefathers of our nation. However, they are also forefathers of hemp.

The notion of hemp and cannabis being illegal is largely a 20th century idea, as it became illegal in the 1920’s and listed as a schedule I drug by Nixon in the 1970’s. For the first 150 years of our nation’s history, hemp and cannabis played an integral role in the construction of America.

From building material, to clothing, and hemp/cannabis for recreational and medicinal use, the plant has been used across the American landscape since our founding. Prominent forefathers such as George Washington, our nation’s first president, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson (all integral players in the fight for American independence) all grew cannabis.

Whether it was for smoking or for hemp material, cannabis used to be a prevalent plant in early America. As the frontier grew, so did the need for sustainable, strong, easy-to-grow and harvest material. Luckily, hemp and cannabis fit the bill.

In fact, traces of cannabis and hemp can be found thousands of years ago in places like Taiwan and China. However, as the Silk Road and trading routes grew, so did the trade of hemp and cannabis. Europe, South America, and Africa soon had this plant at their disposal.

As the popularity of the plant grew, so did its importance to establishing nations. In England, King Henry VII fined farmers if they didn’t grow hemp. Same for colonial America in the 1700’s, as American founding fathers preached its benefits.

But, who are the true founding fathers of hemp? That’s a complicated question. As previously stated, the history of hemp and cannabis is long, complex, and always changing. Forefathers of hemp and cannabis come in waves – currently, we are in a wave of new founding fathers, as cannabis continues to legalize across the United States and the globe.

The true answer to this question is that there are multiple forefathers of hemp and cannabis. Throughout time, landscapes have changed and pushed the plant to the brink in many instances. But, time and time again hemp and cannabis prevail like the sustainable, strong, plant they are.

All in all, we continue to define and redefine our relationship with cannabis and hemp. Different cultures are farther along than others, but there is a growing consensus amongst human beings that cannabis and hemp are in fact very helpful, useful as material and medicinals, becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug, and can even aid the fight against climate change.

Stop by NoVa Hemp and explore this wonderful plant with us. Who knows, you might be inspired to become the next forefather of hemp in our nation and inspire the next wave of change.