Representative Ron Paul Celebrates 'Hemp History Week' in Congressional Record Statement

WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The sponsors of Hemp History Week, including Vote Hemp and Hemp Industries Association member companies are pleased by yesterday's statement in Congress from popular Republican Representative Ron Paul (TX) who has sponsored legislation (HR 1866) to allow hemp farming in the United States. Rep. Paul stated:

"Industrial hemp was legally grown throughout our country for many years.  In fact, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew industrial hemp and used it to make cloth.  During World War II, the federal government encouraged American farmers to grow hemp to help the war effort.

To celebrate the American heritage of growing industrial hemp, the Hemp Industries Association, Vote Hemp, several American manufacturers, and allied companies and organizations have declared May 17 to May 23 to be Hemp History Week." 

The 470+ word statement can be read in its entirety at http://www.hemphistoryweek.com/press. "We hope Congressman Paul's strong statement will motivate hemp supporters everywhere to get involved," says Eric Steenstra, President of Vote Hemp. He adds, "Hemp History Week supporters across the U.S. have planned over 100 events focusing on their local hemp farming history and the sampling of hemp products in natural product retail outlets. These volunteers hope to generate 50,000 signed postcards to the Department of Justice asking for them to allow U.S. farmers to grow non-drug varieties of Cannabis under existing state laws. It is time for America act to end this injustice and bring back hemp farming!"

Hemp History Week – May 17-23, 2010 is an unprecedented industry-wide project initiated by The Hemp Industries Association and Vote Hemp, involving hundreds of hemp manufacturers and retailers. The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) is a non-profit trade group representing hemp companies, researchers, farmers and supporters. Vote Hemp is a national, single-issue, non-profit advocacy group founded in 2000 by members of the hemp industry to remove barriers to industrial hemp farming in the U.S. through education, legislation and advocacy. While 16 states have passed pro-hemp farming legislation to date, Hemp History Week organizers want to influence significant policy changes on the federal level as well.

Further information, along with a full list of sponsors is available at: http://www.hemphistoryweek.com

SOURCE Vote Hemp