Hemp, Cannabis sativa, has been called the world's most versatile plant. Materials made from hemp fiber have been discovered in tombs dating back to 7000 B.C. During the Middle Ages hemp was used to treat fevers, insomnia, and malaria. Columbus's ships had sails of hemp, and during colonial times it was universally grown because its strong fibers made superior ropes, sails, cloth, and paper. In fact, hemp was used for money in most of the Americas from 1631 until the early 1800s, and the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written on hemp paper. As a food, the oil from hemp seeds has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids and the lowest percentage of saturated fats. Britain and Canada have recently lifted bans on growing industrial hemp and today it is reappearing in the marketplace in an amazing array of products: from lip-salve, jeans, salad oil, and cheese to paper products, composite fiberboard, and biomass fuel.

"The Great Book of Hemp brings together a vast amount of information on all aspects of this remarkable plant in an illustrated, entertaining, easily accessible format. Readers will learn the history of hemp cultivation worldwide and its role as a source of renewable energy and as a raw material for paper manufacturing. Lost in the political discussions about marijuana usage is hemp's versatility as a fiber and its many nutritional and medicinal uses. The Great Book of Hemp provides a comprehensive resource section with information on organizations involved in legalizing hemp, product suppliers, and an annotated bibliography." * Wisconsin Bookwatch *
"The engagingly written, well-illustrated reference book is a thoughtful contribution to the discussion of hemp. The Great Book of Hemp makes a strong case for reconsidering hemp now!" * Thomas P. Healy, Branches *

Rowan Robinson is the pen name of an author who chooses to remain anonymous.