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14 MARIJUANA AND SYNTHETICS

THE WORLD’S LARGEST CANNABIS PRODUCER

Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of cannabis, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The nation, which borders Pakistan and Iran, produces between 24,710 and 59,305 acres of cannabis a year. Although several other countries have more land under cultivation, no one tops Afghanistan’s estimated annual yield of 1,500 to 3,500 tons of cannabis.

HOORAY FOR HEMP

In addition to its intoxicating effects, cannabis plants have played an important role in the development of civilization. Our early ancestors found out that when woven and twisted together as a rope, cannabis fibers— called hemp—were unbelievably strong and malleable. The rope was so strong that it could be used to pull, drag, and fasten all sorts of things. People could tie it into knots, which they then used to shape nets, snares, and traps for capturing fish and other food. Hemp was especially important in colonial America. The British first brought cannabis seeds to the New World and ordered colonial farmers to grow the plants. By the 1600s, hemp had become an important crop in New England, Maryland, and Virginia. The colonies grew the plant to make rope, canvas sacks, and paper. Most of the finished products were then sent to Britain to be sold. When America won its independence from England in 1776, the new U.S. government compelled farmers to grow hemp to bolster the fledgling economy. Some Americans even used hemp to pay their taxes. Rope made from homegrown hemp was vital to the shipping industry as rigging for tall ships. George Washington grew hemp and encouraged others to follow his example.