In 1942, the U.S. Department of Agriculture produced a short film titled “Hemp for Victory,” with the purpose of encouraging American farmers to grow industrial hemp for the war effort.
While legalizing weed is one of the most discussed issues today, this once prized crop remains illegal to grow in most of the country.
Read on to learn about five key points made by the USDA in “Hemp for Victory.”
1. Hemp was once an indispensable crop.
The film notes that for centuries prior to the 1850s, industrial hemp was used exclusively for sails, ropes, and rigging on all ships. And in the early days of America, hemp made up the canvases that covered Conestoga wagons as pioneers went west.
2. The decline of hemp came with the introduction of cheaper alternatives.
Although many sources say that industrial hemp declined and was eventually made illegal because of its connection to legalizing weed, according to “Hemp for Victory,” this is not the case.
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The film indicates that the cultivation of hemp in the U.S. fell out of favor because of the new availability of products like jute, sisal, and Manila hemp, which were more affordable to turn into fibers.
3. The purpose of "Hemp for Victory" was to expand the number of hemp farmers as part of the war effort.
Prior to 1942, most of the nation’s hemp crop was grown in Kentucky and Wisconsin.
Farmers were required to watch this film in hopes that they would begin growing industrial hemp, aiding the federal government’s goal of producing 50,000 acres of the crop in 1943.
4. Hemp had the capability to bolster the quality of soil.
The movie expounded on hemp’s ability to prevent weeds from growing because of its tall, leafy stalks. It also provided instructions on planting the seeds close together for maximum crop yield, as well as detailed information about the different methods of harvesting the industrial hemp crop.
5. According to "Hemp for Victory," farmers had a patriotic duty to grow industrial hemp.
The conclusion of the film provided details about the amount of rope the Navy used per battleship, and the importance of growing industrial hemp so that the military had the supplies they need – supplies that were made in America.
By appealing to this sense of national pride, the movie aimed to inspire farmers to participate.
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