No, not marijuana, hemp; and there is a big difference. The difference is in its use. Hemp and Marijuana both come from the same plant – Cannabis Sativa L. The term ‘Hemp’ commonly refers to the industrial/commercial use of the cannabis stalk and seed for textiles, foods, papers, body care products, detergents, plastics and building materials. The term ‘marijuana’ refers to the medicinal, recreational or spiritual use involving the smoking of cannabis flowers. Industrial hemp contains only about 0.3% – 1.5% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinoids, the intoxicating ingredients that make you high) while marijuana contains about 5% – 10% or more THC. Hemp fiber is the longest, strongest and most durable of all natural fibers. Hemp cultivation requires no chemicals, pesticides or herbicides.

If you are anxious to lean more before the meeting,there is an opportunity on April 9 at 6:00 PM, Movie Night: ‘Bringing It Home’- Industrial Hemp, healthy houses, and a greener Future for America presented at U of H Maui County by The Maui Farmers Union, Upcountry Sustainability and the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui.  After the movie, a panel of interested leaders will discuss hemp’s potential for Maui County. Vincent Mina of the Hawaii Farmers Union, Kelly King of Pacific BioDiesel, and Denise Key of ihempHI.com will lead the discussion with those attending. in Pilina Building’s Multi-Purpose room Call 984-3502 for more

 

For our membership, Maui Farmers Union United President Vincent Mina will address agricultural practices including soil heath, which could include replacing sugar cane with industrial hemp, at our April 15 Community meeting at the Kihei Charter School. Our past president George Rixey a renowned architect, will converse about a single hemp product, hempcrete, and how it is used in construction as as improvement on concrete.

By now you know doors open at 6:00 PM for conversation and pupu, and you’ll remember the non perishables for our continuing Maui Food Bank Drive for 2014. Please be sure your membership is up to date. You are welcome even if you are not a member, but why not become one on Tuesday evening? We start at 6:30. Will you be there to take part?