It is the world’s oldest and most versatile crop. It can be grown without pesticides, herbicides, and with reduced fertilizers. It uses less water than other crops, prevents soil erosion, adds nutrients back to the soil, and produces oxygen thus lowering Co2 levels in our atmosphere – decreasing global warming.

Besides having an abundance of ecological advantages, it is also one of the single most nutritious food item on the planet. No other single plant source has all the essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and complete proteins in as perfect ratios to meet nutritional needs. Further, it is a great source of dietary fiber (a whopping 35%), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and in particular vitamin E. Not to mention it’s low in saturated fat (less than 8%), and because of it’s globulins, it is one of the most easily digested foods as well.

What is this miracle plant? Industrial Hemp. And it’s (still) illegal to grow in the United States. That’s right Americans, no miracle plants for you.

In a new petition to the White House, people are asking that industrial hemp be legalized once again in the US.

With over $419 million in estimated U.S. retail sales, American companies making hemp products have no choice but to import their raw materials because American farmers continue to fear they will be prosecuted due to an outdated federal policy which confuses non-drug industrial hemp with drug varieties of Cannabis.

Fun Fact: Dr. Bronner’s import 20 tons of hemp oil a year from Canada. That’s a lot of oil. A lot of amazing oil.

I’ve told you about the amazing power of hemp foods, how you can make stuff with it, and how fashionable hemp has become. I have even talked about how hemp could help end hunger in America. And let’s not forget, hemp milk can make a stellar frozen dessert. We can easily see the nutritional, environmental, and economic value of producing hemp as food and other goods. Hemp is good for the earth, good for the animals, and good for us.

Head on over and read the White House Petition: Allow Industrial Hemp to be grown in the US again. There are currently over 6,616 signatures in support for the measure. Actually, 6,617- I just signed it.