Changing the mentality around hemp

In the 4 years since launching my product range, and the many years of interest before hand, I have seen subtle changes in the perceptions of hemp however there is still so much more work to be done.
Many people still mistake Industrial hemp for Marijuana and it takes time to release 80+ years of fear based propaganda. It also takes time to instill a sense of trust to the hearts of a society which has been fed one side of the cannabis debate. Through education we can help release current fears and insecurities bringing back the reverence once held for this gift from nature.
I believe one person can make a difference - we live in the most amazing country with some of the most resilient people yet the majority of us go along with our lives in a routine that keeps us feeling secure. Trusting the systems and social beliefs created by laws, governments, religions and history. What if a few individuals challenged those beliefs, those laws, that history to show another way. A way that is not untested, a way that only 100 years ago was completely viable - 'HEMP'.
There is much work being done internationally with growing evidence to support the use of medicinal marijuana for a range of illnesses - however my main focus is the loss of potential both economically and environmentally through the restrictions placed on Industrial hemp. There are differing restrictions in different countries for example; it is still ILLEGAL to grow Industrial Hemp in America yet it is LEGAL to consume hemp foods there. Here in Australia we can obtain a licence to grow Industrial hemp in many states yet it is ILLEGAL to consume or sell hemp foods.
With the ever increasing stress placed on our farmers wouldn't government support to build a thriving hemp industry make sense? Hemp crops would supply fibre for paper, cloth, twine etc, the low THC seed is ideal for food and oil production. Hemp seed oil can be used for cosmetics, paints and anything that is currently petroleum based. Hemp crops can also improve soil conditions and soil degredation with it's long tap root it helps to hold the soil together. Farmers experiencing tough times may very well benefit from a new approach via Industrial Hemp.

It is my hope that in the not too distant future all jokes about hemp and fears will be put aside and common sense will bring this gem to the forefront of everyones imagination.....
hemp hemp hooray!

POEM.... Seeking Asylum... by Teresa McDowell

Not in MY country I hear them say,
They wont speak our language, they cannot stay.
From war torn lands, or simply a chance for opportunity,
How can we deny them a new home and community.
Fear, Ego, a sense of Entitlement,
Poison's their compassion, fostering Greed and Resentment.
We all live on ONE earth,
Each culture represents a different key.
Let us work together to hear the beautiful melody.

Wake up people we are all of one breath.
We all return to the same dust at the time of our death.
You look and see difference in face, skin and beliefs,
Yet the one same energy makes up all life, and its brief.
Don't waste it in anger, judgement and hostility,
Lets live together in love, acceptance and unity.

Love and light Teresa xxxx

Beauty Revisited - Poem I wrote June '08

Driving through every familiar bend,
Is like coming home to an old friend.
The green gently kisses this dry parched earth,
On the hills that surround the place of my birth.
Pichi Richi whistles,
Sun brightens the day.
Welcoming and inviting, my inner child to play.
Space, vastness and freedom,
Beauty, peace and grace.
These are but a few of the wonders of this magical place.

Earth, wind, fire and water,
Eucalypt, cliff face and pine.
Ruggard landscape bathes me,
Campfire, coffee wine.

Childrens voices echo through the crescents of the gorge,
While night time slowly enters,
Bringing quiet mysteries 'til dawn.
Sweet beauty here to caress me,
Let my dreams regain flight.
Open heart to all that surrounds me,
Moon, stars, universe..... wild expansive night.
Friends, guitar, banjo pickin'
Laughter, love a life content.
A heart open, gratitiude,
No pain to voice or vent.

Earth, wind, fire and water,
Eucalypt, cliff face and pine.
Ruggard landscape bathes me,
Campfire, coffee and wine.


Warrens Gorge - Flinders Ranges SA

Earth Cry... Indigenous Spirit. A poem by Me!

“Indigenous spirit where have you gone,

Touched by white glove, you’ve lost your song.

Cultures in tune with mother earth wisdom,

White cloud rolls in and blankets your freedom.

Whispers hold true in defiant silence,

To one day speak loud of natures science.

To regain the balance and natural rhythm,

One breath one consciousness one connection within.

No longer to cry, to ache from what’s lost,

No longer to suffer from white glove’s high cost.

A New Earth once battered,

Rises up from white glove’s grasp.

Indigenous Spirit’s wisdom come teach us at last.”