The Marihuana Tax Act – The Criminalisation of Hemp
So why did hemp nearly disappear? Well, in the early 20th century, hemp was an important crop in the US, with farmers all around the country growing it for its strong fibres, where they were used to make rope, sailcloth, clothing and hundreds of other products. Then the 1930’s rolled around and the hemp industry came to a grinding halt when the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, effectively criminalising the growing of hemp.
Misinformation and Stigma
This was due to the misinformation and stigma (that still exists today) surrounding hemp’s relationship to marijuana. While hemp and marijuana are both members of the same family, they are different plants with different purposes. Hemp has a very low THC content (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana – simply, hemp doesn’t get you high), and it’s primarily grown for its fibres, which have a variety of industrial and commercial uses. Think building, clothing, food, insulation, bio-fuel just to name a few.
Why is it important to use hemp in clothing?
Firstly (and most importantly) hemp is a highly sustainable and eco-friendly material. It requires very little water to grow, it’s naturally resistant to pests, so it doesn’t need to be treated with any pesticides. Hemp also has an incredibly fast growth rate, it can be harvested multiple times a year, making it a highly renewable resource.
On top of being sustainable, hemp is extremely durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for kids' clothing. Hemp fibres are strong and resistant to wear and tear (if your kids are anywhere near as destructive as our two, you know why this is important), so clothing made from hemp is likely to last longer than clothing made from other materials. Buying hemp can be the more cost-effective choice in the long run, plus you can hand your hemp tee down when you’re finished with it.
Why choose hemp clothing for your kids?
As a parent, you want the best for your child – and that includes the clothes they wear. When you choose hemp clothing, you’re not only supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly material, but you’re also contributing to changing the public perception and stigma surrounding this incredible material. Hemp clothing is durable, it’s long-lasting and it's the perfect choice for your kids.
Hemp blends that give back
At YEAH LIFE, we blend hemp with organic cotton and recycled polyester. These blends make for incredibly soft and long-lasting kids clothing. And with every order, we provide meals to kids in need, so you can feel good about supporting a brand that gives back. So, why wait? Start incorporating hemp in your kids’ wardrobes today and join the movement towards a more sustainable future. YEAH LIFE has the perfect hemp clothing options – shop now and make a difference.