#Sotd (Solution of the Day) Hemp and History Until 1883, 75-90% of all paper in the U.S. was made with hemp. Hemp seed was the # 1-selling bird feed; 4 million pounds were sold in the U.S. in 1937. In the mid-to-late 1800's the 2nd & 3rd most commonly used medications were concentrated cannabis extracts and resins (a.k.a. hashish). A bridge in the south of France dated at 500-700 A.D. was built with a mixture of hemp. In 1941 Henry Ford built a car with a plastic made from hemp and wheat straw. Until 1937 70-90% of all rope and twine was made with hemp. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on their plantations. In 1850 the U.S. Census reported 8,327 hemp plantation of at least 2000 acres in size. Not counted were thousands of smaller crops. The original Levi Strauss jeans were made from hemp. In 1942 the U.S. government strongly encouraged hemp cultivation to help with the war effort, going so far as to produce a film entitled "Hemp For Victory". The version of the Declaration of Independence released on July 4, 1776, was written on hemp. Hemp and Industry There are over 25,000 known uses for hemp. The heating and compressing of hemp fibers can create building materials superior to wood in strength, quality, and cost. Hemp is heat, mildew, pest, light, and rot-resistant. Hemp fabric is softer, warmer, more water-resistant and more durable than cotton. Hemp fabric also uses fewer chemicals to produce. Industrial uses of hemp in China date as far back as 10,000 years. Hemp as a Fuel Source A bio-diesel fuel is one made from hemp oil, vegetable oil, or other animal fat. The original idea was developed in 1895 by Dr. Rudolph Diesel, who developed the first engine then ran on vegetable oil. He demonstrated the engine at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris, France, running the engine on peanut oil. Hemp can be blended with diesel fuel in any ratio or used alone. Biodiesel fuel is the only alternative fuel that can be used as-is, in an...