The history of human use and consumption of hemp is long and colorful.

As early as 2800 BCE, ancient Chinese were already using hemp to manufacture textiles, durable fabrics, and fibers which were used for fishing nets, ropes, and clothing. It was also used for European sailcloth, paper, food, medicine, and so much more. Unfortunately, along with modern economies and the advancement of technology, we began using hemp far less.

However, politics is one of the biggest reasons why. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, specifically, as well as the War on Drugs, promoted negative associations with marijuana. Even its non-psychoactive cousin, hemp, was affected.

That said, we’re seeing a rise again in the popularity of hemp. People are now rediscovering an underrated material that was once highly prized for its durability – plus, it’s so much more environmentally-friendly compared to cotton and other synthetic fabrics like nylon. We’re now seeing incredible modern uses of hemp such as hempcrete, hemp plastic, biofuel, nanomaterials, insulation, and even batteries.

Now, even the legendary German car brand, Volkswagen, is seeing the value of using hemp.

Partnership With Revoltech GmbH

Volkswagen announced in a press release that they had just engaged into a partnership with Revoltech GmbH, a German start-up that manufactures sustainable and high-quality textiles that is entirely created with hemp residue. Since the products are made from by-products, it’s easy on the environment and can even be recycled again after it’s reached the end of its life cycle.

This fabric will be going into Volkswagen vehicles as a replacement for faux leather. Compared to faux leather, hemp byproducts contain a high cellulose level which makes it stronger while retaining a light weight. However, Volkswagen isn’t the first car brand to do so: Back in 1941, Henry Ford famously built a vehicle entirely out of plastic derived from hemp, as well as other plant material. The vehicle, Model T, was comprised of bioplastic made from hemp, wheat, flax, and even spruce pulp. As a result, this innovative vehicle was even lighter than fiberglass yet was 10 times stronger than steel!

Thanks to the new partnership between Volkswagen and Revoltech GmbH, we can look forward to revolutionary materials instead of faux leather in future vehicle models. They are working on all-natural material known as LOVR™ (leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) which will serve as a surface material created specifically for use in automobiles.

The hemp will be sourced from hemp fields around the region, and it’s entirely composable and recyclable too.

“In our search for new materials, we are very open to new ideas from many different industries. At Technical Development, we place a strong focus on innovative, creative and sustainable solutions for holistic, resource-saving vehicle development,” said Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development.

 

We won’t be seeing the LOVR™ fabrics in Volkswagen’s cars until 2028. Until then, the companies will be working tirelessly on developing this incredible material.

Other Uses Of Hemp For Vehicles

More vehicle companies than ever are seeking out sustainable options for businesses and operations – and the automobile industry is one of them. Volkswagen isn’t one of the first, as you’ll read on later below.

In addition, both big and small companies are seeing the potential of hemp replacing plastic and other unsustainable materials previously used in operations. While Henry Ford had a vision that his bioplastic car would end up being much lighter, safer, and more affordable than other vehicles, World War II forced vehicle production to shut down abruptly. Unfortunately, Ford’s dreams of developing sustainable cars from bioplastics were never achieved but his dream is potentially being revisited in different iterations today.

Hemp-Reinforced Polypropylene

Aside from using hemp in place of faux leather, hemp fibers can also be used as a replacement for talc in car plastics. It’s used in a number of car parts such as drink holders, bumpers, panels, door trims, and much more. Heartland Industries has successfully produced hemp-reinforced polypropylene using plastic compounds that make it simpler for car companies to integrate it with existing products.

It’s good to note that hemp weighs approximately 80% lighter compared to calcium carbonate, glass fiber, and talc. As a result, using hemp-reinforced polypropylene can weigh as much as 60% less!

Luxury Brands Already Use Hemp

Many of the biggest luxury names in the car industry have already adopted hemp-based materials in their vehicles. Back in 2013, BMW began using hemp in their revolutionary electric car, the BMW i3. Hemp was designed into the car’s interior panels, which saved the car 350 kilograms.

Meanwhile, recently, Porsche unveiled their 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, a sustainable race car with an impressive array of hemp-based features. They used hemp instead of traditional carbon fibers for their car doors, which is considered a bold move for Porsche or the industry as a whole. It’s good to note that hemp is also famous for its insulating properties, which contributes to overall comfort when riding in vehicles. Passengers can expect quieter, smoother rides without energy-consuming cooling or heating systems that most cars today are reliant on.

Conclusion

When it comes to the potential of hemp for the automobile industry, we’re only in the beginning. We can expect to see a large number of revolutionary developments in the near future, using hemp and hemp-based composites not just in automobile manufacture but even in fuel. There are many exciting developments for hemp in this field!

MORE ON HEMP CARS AND CAR PARTS, READ ON…

ARE HEMP BATTERIES THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC CARS?

We are headed out to beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon again this weekend for the Sixth Annual Northwest Cannabis and Psychedelics Law Conference.

Harris Sliwoski attorneys Matt Goldberg and Vince Sliwoski will attend the conference in person this year. Nicole Gossett-Roxbury and Jesse Mondry plan to attend remotely. The event kicks off tomorrow with a welcome reception sponsored by Harris Sliwoski LLP.

To view the program brochure, including the full schedule of events and presentations, please go here. For any last-minute takers, we were just told that registration remains open through Thursday, September 26, at 12pm PT. The sign-up link is here!

We look forward to connecting with friends and colleagues — especially with the weather report looking so great in Cannon Beach. See you all soon.

Why people choosing cannabis over beer and wine is a good thing!

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-legalization-is-a-significant

-threat-to-alcohol-industry-because-people-substitute-cannabis-for-beer-and-wine-analysis-finds/

In recent years, a fascinating shift has been taking place in the realm of recreational substances. More and more people are opting to light up a joint instead of uncorking a bottle of wine or cracking open a cold beer. This trend, which has been steadily growing, shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a change that’s causing ripples across industries and raising eyebrows in boardrooms.

While some may view this shift with alarm, crying “bloody murder” at the potential impact on the alcohol industry, there’s a compelling case to be made that this transition is actually a positive development for society as a whole. The reasons behind this are multifaceted, touching on aspects of health, social behavior, and even economic factors.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into these reasons, exploring why the switch from alcohol to cannabis might be more beneficial than detrimental. We’ll examine the potential impacts on public health, social dynamics, and even crime rates. But we won’t stop there.

We’ll also take a journey into the future, imagining a world 50 years from now where this shift has become firmly entrenched in society. What might our social gatherings look like? How might our cities change? What new industries might emerge, and which ones might fade away?

As we embark on this exploration, we invite you to keep an open mind. Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, a teetotaler, or somewhere in between, the changing landscape of recreational substances affects us all. So let’s lift the veil on this green revolution and see where it might lead us.

The journey of cannabis from counterculture symbol to mainstream acceptance is nothing short of remarkable. In the 1960s, only about 4% of Americans had tried marijuana. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to nearly 50%, with 18% of adults reporting cannabis use in the past year.

But it’s not just usage rates that have changed; public opinion has undergone a seismic shift. In 1969, a mere 12% of Americans supported legalization. Today, that number stands at a staggering 68%, reflecting a complete reversal in public sentiment.

The advent of legal dispensaries has played a crucial role in this transformation. No longer confined to shady street corners, cannabis purchasing has become a legitimate, regulated experience. Sleek, modern dispensaries staffed by knowledgeable “budtenders” have normalized the act of buying cannabis, making it feel more akin to visiting a high-end boutique than engaging in an illicit transaction.

From a physiological standpoint, cannabis often proves superior to alcohol. While excessive alcohol consumption can lead to severe health issues and even death, it’s virtually impossible to fatally overdose on cannabis. Moreover, cannabis lacks the physically addictive properties of alcohol, and its use typically doesn’t result in the aggressive behavior sometimes associated with heavy drinking.

Globally, attitudes towards cannabis have softened as the failures of the War on Drugs become increasingly apparent. Countries from Canada to Uruguay have fully legalized cannabis, while others have decriminalized its use or implemented medical programs. This shift reflects a growing recognition that prohibition causes more harm than good.

Looking ahead, full-scale legalization in the United States seems inevitable, though pinpointing an exact date remains challenging. The complexities of politics and entrenched interests make predictions difficult. However, the momentum is undeniable. As more states legalize and more people experience the benefits of cannabis firsthand, the pressure for federal reform continues to build.

One thing is certain: the people have spoken, and they want cannabis. This trend shows no signs of reversing. As research continues to unveil the plant’s potential benefits and as stigma continues to fade, we can expect cannabis to cement its place as a preferred substance for relaxation and recreation in the years to come.

As cannabis continues its march towards mainstream acceptance, a provocative question emerges: What happens when the masses smoke weed? This isn’t just idle speculation; it’s a query with profound implications for the fabric of our society.

To understand the potential impact, we must first consider the effects of our current drug of choice: alcohol. According to FBI data, alcohol is present in a staggering 45% of all violent crimes. This statistic alone paints a grim picture, but it becomes even more alarming when we consider domestic abuse and sexual assault cases, where alcohol frequently plays a central role.

In stark contrast, cannabis has not been linked to such violent behaviors. In fact, the longstanding narrative surrounding marijuana use has been one of passivity rather than aggression. While this stereotype may be oversimplified, it does reflect a fundamental truth about cannabis’s effects on behavior.

Even more surprisingly, in states where cannabis has been legalized, we’ve seen a decline in automobile accidents. This counterintuitive finding challenges the fear-mongering narratives that predicted roads would become more dangerous with legal marijuana.

So, as cannabis gains ground and potentially displaces alcohol as the recreational substance of choice, could we be looking at a less violent, more tolerant society? It’s a tantalizing possibility. If alcohol consumption decreases as more people turn to cannabis, we might see a corresponding drop in violent crimes, domestic abuse, and sexual assaults.

But the potential benefits don’t stop at reduced violence. Cannabis has long been associated with creativity and introspection. Could a society that embraces cannabis be one that produces better art, music, and literature? Might we see a surge in innovation as more people tap into cannabis-induced creative states?

Moreover, cannabis often promotes a sense of connection and empathy. In a world grappling with division and polarization, could increased cannabis use foster greater understanding and tolerance among different groups? It’s not unreasonable to imagine that a substance known for promoting peace and love could have a positive impact on social cohesion.

Of course, this is all speculative. We can’t predict with certainty how mass adoption of cannabis will shape our society. However, based on what we know about cannabis’s effects and the harm reduction potential compared to alcohol, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that society at large could benefit from this shift.

Perhaps most intriguingly, this cannabis wave could be just the beginning of a broader transformation in consciousness. As attitudes towards psychoactive substances evolve, we’re seeing increasing interest in and research on psychedelics. These substances, known for their ability to induce profound spiritual experiences and shift perspectives, are poised to enter the mainstream in the coming years.

Could we be on the cusp of a neo-spiritual awakening? As cannabis paves the way for more open-minded approaches to consciousness alteration, and as psychedelics follow in its wake, we might see a society more attuned to spiritual and existential questions. This could lead to shifts in values, priorities, and ways of understanding the world and our place in it.

While it’s crucial to approach these possibilities with a balanced perspective, acknowledging potential downsides and unintended consequences, the overall picture is one of promise. A society less burdened by alcohol-fueled violence, more open to creative expression, more empathetic and interconnected, and potentially more spiritually aware – these are outcomes worth considering as we navigate this transition.

As we move forward into this new era, it’s essential to continue studying the effects of cannabis on individuals and society, to implement responsible policies, and to remain open to the possibilities this shift might bring. The cannabis revolution isn’t just about a change in recreational substances; it could be the harbinger of a broader societal transformation.

ALCOHOL OR WEED, WHICH SHOULD PARENTS WORRY ABOUT THE MOST?

WHAT DRUG SHOULD PARENTS WORRY ABOUT  THE MOST RIGHT NOW?