The Evolution Of Hemp From Europe
Casper Leitch and his guests, Todd McCormick and Paul Stanford, discuss the historical significance of cannabis and its cultural impact, as well as its economic importance throughout history. They reflect on Jack Herer's book 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes', which revealed that cannabis played a crucial role in European industrial development before the invention of synthetic materials.
The Roots Of American Hemp
During the discussion about our European hemp roots, Todd and Paul express frustration that the prohibition of cannabis was not about the plant itself but a manipulation of the capitalist system to eliminate competition for large corporations. They also discuss the origins of the terms 'sativa' and 'indica' and the historical misunderstanding of marijuana prohibition laws in the 1930s stemming from the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act.
Tod McCormick shares his personal experience of serving five years in federal prison for growing medical marijuana after California changed its law, emphasizing the importance of re-educating the public about the history and versatility of cannabis.
OVERVIEW
This episode of 'Time 4 Hemp' is a rich blend of advocacy, history, personal stories, expert discussion, and music - centered entirely around the industrial, medicinal, and cultural significance of hemp and cannabis. Hosted by Casper Leitch, the show features two well-known guests: Paul Stanford and Todd McCormick, both lifelong cannabis advocates. The heart of the episode lies in a compelling conversation on the misunderstood and misrepresented legacy of cannabis.
Paul Stanford is a cannabis activist from Portland, Oregon; Founder of Portland Hempstock Festival; runs medical cannabis clinics and is host of the podcast, 'Cannabis Common Sense'.
Todd McCormick is a former cancer patient who began medical cannabis use in 1979; the first international recipient of a cannabis prescription (1994); a Cannabis historian and global activists.
Topics Covered In This Segment
Cannabis and Hemp Through History
Hemp has been essential to human civilization for over 12,000 years, used for fiber, food, fuel, and medicine. The show underscores hemp’s role in pre-industrial economies and naval empires, particularly noting its use in sails, rope, clothing, and paper. Todd and Paul discuss how early American settlers were required to grow hemp and that it was critical to national independence from Europe.
Prohibition: The Real Agenda
The discussion challenges the conventional narrative around cannabis prohibition. They argue prohibition was never about public health but rather about industrial and economic control: Petrochemical, timber, and pharmaceutical industries pushed for prohibition to eliminate hemp as competition. The Marijuana Tax Act (1937) was passed by misleading the public and even members of Congress about what “marijuana” actually was. Dr. William Woodward of the AMA testified against prohibition, noting its unjustified nature.
Corporate Exploitation and Farmer Disempowerment
Post-WWII America shifted toward synthetics and petroleum, leaving hemp-based agriculture behind. Today, U.S. farmers struggle while European farmers legally supply hemp to luxury car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Bugatti.
Todd criticizes how farmers are economically strangled, and land is increasingly controlled by mega-corporations and the government.
Hemp as an Environmental and Economic Solution
Hemp could be a cornerstone of sustainable industries: Bio-fuel (300 gallons of diesel per acre). Construction materials, bio-plastics, and textiles. Food products rich in essential fatty acids and proteins. Hemp revival could decentralize wealth and power, putting control back in the hands of farmers.
