Here is a copy of the speech notes and actual presentation notes I gave to the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members in support of the HB830 Industrial Hemp Bill working through MoLeg.
Knowing that my papers would get submitted with my testimony I went a little off my scripted notes and addressed a few concerns that I noticed the Legislators had made during the meeting:
- During the discussion it became clear that the Legislators were concerned about how Law Enforcement Personnel would distinguish the difference between a Industrial Hemp plant and a Cannabis Plant used for Medical or Personal use.
Luckily I've been following how the Kentucky Law Enforcement have found in their states latest Hemp Legalization laws and quoted what I read about the Sheriff and what he learned: PR
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer applauded Christian County Sheriff Livy Leavell Jr. for supporting the production of industrial hemp in Kentucky during the annual conference of the Kentucky Association of Counties today in Louisville.
I informed the committee that by reading the Sheriffs suggestions of coaching and training it was easy to distinguish the difference between the two types of hemp plants.
- And tied that line of thought into a prior concern that was mentioned by another Member on the Height of the Hemp Plant.
I honestly had no idea how little the Committee Members knew about the Industrial Hemp plant. I do know they understand growing Corn in Missouri. So I tied how growing corn: tall and with multiple ears was desirable on the farm I grew up on.
My line of thought was on growing the Industrial Hemp for seeds and use in Hempcrete I wanted the plant to grow as tall as I've seen in the UK. Where the Plants were as tall than the harvesting machinery.
- A member also addressed the use in Rope and the previous war effort. (I got the drift he was implying: people don't use as much ropes as we once did. Why do we need hemp plants for rope)
I made sure of mentioning that almost everyday I learn of a new and innovative use for the Industrial Hemp Plant. And recently was just reading about how they were used instead of copper in low voltage applications that save the worlds natural resources.
I also touched on the bio fuel applications. And how the seeds could be turned into non polluting fuel to be used by autos and machinery.
While I was on the Pollution subject I also mentioned how the Hemp plant is a Carbon Sink that traps the CO2 carbon emissions from the Air into the Soil. And how when used in Hempcrete it continues trapping the Carbon Emissions within the wall from the chemical reaction of the Natural Products used to make Hempcrete.
I made sure that they also were aware of Climate Change and the harmful CO2 emissions that are threatening everyone.
- The only negative thing I heard about the Industrial Hemp Plant while at the HB830 Committee meeting came from the last witness was by the Farm Bureau Representative. The Rep had based her presentation on outdated material from years ago by the Missouri Highway Patrol; in that: they were not in favor of the Hemp plant due to the THC issues.
About Show-Me Cannabis
Show-Me Cannabis is an association of organizations and individuals, who believe that cannabis prohibition is a failed policy, and regulating and taxing cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol would better control the production, distribution, and consumption of cannabis than the current criminal market system does. The group seeks to engage Missourians in a serious, public discussion about the issues associated with marijuana consumption, including medical cannabis, industrial hemp, public safety, and financial analysis in order to address problems associated with the current, failed policy.
Looking back I'm sure I was ad-libbing a bit more since there was so much information inside of me that needed to come out in support of Industrial Hemp for Missouri Jobs.
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| Scottys HB830 Witness Form |
INDUSTRIAL HEMP BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES NATURALLY
Building Product grown by Missouri Farmers
that could be used by Missouri Craftsmen
to build Missouri Homes
This is the Ultimate in Buying Local!
Thank you for allowing me to participate in what I feel will be a game changer for the Missouri Economy, that starts by helping our most treasured resource: The Missouri Farmers who grow our food.
Which is especially important to me since I was raised on a 4,000 acre cattle operation in North Missouri. So anytime I can help a farmer, to help me and my business I create a Win Win scenario.
There is also the added benefit of creating employment opportunities for additional Missouri Residents.
The 3 main parts of the Hemp Plant where I see the most potential for generating income are:
Seeds-for producing a Bio-Diesel
Hemp Fibers for Building Insulation, Wall boards (Particle Board), Clothes, etc
Hempcrete made from the Hurd from the center of the Hemp Stalk
My Goal with the Industrial Hemp plant is to build: affordable energy efficient homes from sustainable materials.
The easiest way I can find of keeping the costs low for the Homes I plan to build with Hempcrete is by utilizing the other parts of the plant to generate income and cost savings for the Farmers who will grow the Hemp Plant.
For me to build these Energy Efficient Homes it will require the cooperation of the Missouri Legislative Department and Farmers.
My initial plans on this venture is to enlist Farmers to enter into a income producing sharecropping venture with sales from Bio Diesel Production and the Bast Fiber to offset the land use.
Hemp Fibers
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| Hemp Stalk Cutaway |
Natural fibers are an annually harvested crop, which produce thread like industrial grade fibers.
There are three outputs after harvesting and processing natural fibers.
The three outputs are as follows:
Bast Fiber – Fiber produced around the stalk.
Hurd (Core) – Stalk of the crop.
Dust – Dust created from processing the material
Why Hemp Biodiesel? BioDiesel info supplied by: http://www.hemp.com/hemp-education/uses-of-hemp/hemp-fuel/
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine.
It can be stored anywhere that petroleum diesel fuel is stored. Biodiesel is safe to handle and transport because it is as biodegradable as sugar, 10 times less toxic than table salt, and has a high flashpoint of about 300 F compared to petroleum diesel fuel, which has a flash point of 125 F.
Biodiesel can be made from domestically produced, renewable oilseed crops such as hemp.
Biodiesel is a proven fuel with over 30 million successful US road miles, and over 20 years of use in Europe.
When burned in a diesel engine, biodiesel replaces the exhaust odor of petroleum diesel with the pleasant smell of hemp, popcorn or french fries.
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel in the US to complete EPA Tier I Health Effects Testing under section 211(b) of the Clean Air Act, which provide the most thorough inventory of environmental and human health effects attributes that current technology will allow.
Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no sulfur.
The use of biodiesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it is more lubricating than petroleum diesel fuel, while fuel consumption, auto ignition, power output, and engine torque are relatively unaffected by biodiesel.
The Congressional Budget Office, Department of Defense, US Department of Agriculture, and others have determined that biodiesel is the low cost alternative fuel option for fleets to meet requirements of the Energy Policy Act.
Mr G. Flavall, Hemp Technologies; advertises Industrial Hemp as having these characteristics when used as Hempcrete
Thermal Mass Insulation
Negative Carbon
Low Density
Clean Air
High Thermal Resistance
High Thermal Inertia
Vapour Permeable (breathable)
Design Flexibility (adjustable thickness)
Fire and Pest Resistant (NO Termites)
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The following information was supplied by http://www.americanhempllc.com/
How many cubic feet of hempcrete can I make with one bag of hemp hurds?
When mixing hemp hurds with a localized lime binder and water you can produce approximately 4.5 cubic feet of hempcrete material.
We recommend purchasing the necessary materials for the lime binder (High Calcium Hydrated Lime, Water, and Cement, but sometimes NHL 5, NHL 3.5, or pozzolans are added as well)
Thank you for taking the time and allowing me to share some of what I have learned about the Industrial Hemp Plant.
Although I have just focused on 3 of the uses for the plant, I've read about hundreds of additional uses.
With such a game changing opportunity for Missourians I strongly urge you to enable Missourians the opportunity for employment in the Hemp Industry.
End of speech
In the end I feel they gained a better understanding of the multiple uses and the game changing job creator that Industrial Hemp can bring to Missouri.
I also feel that after I explained how Hempcrete has the Energy Saving aspects of Insulation, while being as tough as Concrete, the Missouri Legislative Ways and Means Committee Members have a better understanding of the Greatness of the Hemp Plant
And my favorite use for the plant- Hempcrete!
- See more at: http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2015/02/2015-HB830-Industrial-Hemp-missouri.html#sthash.dcnHV5HW.dpuf
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