“Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country”: Context and Significance A statement widely circulated on social media claims that a U.S. founding father declared, “Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country.” While the sentiment reflects hemp’s historic importance, the words are often misattributed. This article explores the origins of the quote, clarifies its true author and explains why hemp mattered so much to early economies and national defence.1. Origins of the Quote The phrase did not originate with Thomas Jefferson. According to researchers at the University of Virginia, the line appears in a 1791 document titled “Notes respecting Tobacco” written by Gouverneur Morris – a founding father and diplomat – and sent to Jefferson. In the note, Morris observed that the best hemp and best tobacco grew on the same soil and wrote that “the former article [hemp] is of first necessity to the commerce and marine; in other words to the wealth and protection of the country”[1]. Scholars emphasise that the quote was included in a letter to Jefferson, but these were not Jefferson’s words[2].Author: The phrase comes from Gouverneur Morris’s 1791 notes, not from Thomas Jefferson[1]. Context: Morris linked hemp to commerce and marine activities, arguing it was essential for national wealth and defence[1]. Misattribution: Historians note that the quote is often wrongly credited to Jefferson due to misunderstandings or the desire to associate it with a more recognisable figure[2].Note: Misattributed quotes can spread quickly online; always check original sources before sharing.2. Hemp’s Importance to Commerce and Defence Why would hemp be described as essential to wealth and protection? In the age before steam engines and synthetic fibres, hemp provided critical raw materials for sail‑powered economies. Britain’s economy and security in the late 18th century depended heavily on Cannabis sativa for ropes, rigging and canvas: hemp was the strongest natural fibre available and allowed ships to travel further and faster[4]. The word “canvas” derives from the Dutch pronunciation of “cannabis”[4]. Hemp’s strategic value lasted for centuries; it remained vital to maritime power until the advent of steam shipping in the nineteenth century[4]. By the late 1700s, a single ship‑of‑the‑line in the Royal Navy required around 80 tons of hemp for sails and ropes, which meant cultivating some 350 acres of the crop; the rigging had to be replaced every three to four years[5].Vital fibre: Hemp provided ropes, sails and rigging for ships when European powers dominated global trade[4]. Strategic material: Britain and other maritime nations fought to secure hemp supplies; losing access to hemp threatened naval power and commerce[4]. Production scale: Large warships required tens of tons of hemp, and supplies had to be renewed frequently[5].Tip: Hemp was cultivated primarily for its strong fibres; it contains very low levels of THC and is not the same as modern marijuana.3. Myths About Jefferson and Hemp Although Thomas Jefferson grew hemp on his plantations, he did not smoke marijuana or write the “first necessity” quote. PolitiFact notes that there is no evidence that he ever smoked cannabis and that he grew hemp for industrial uses, which had very low THC levels[3]. The Declaration of Independence was drafted on parchment, not hemp paper[3]. Jefferson did view hemp as an important crop, but the famous phrase originated with Morris, not him[1].No hemp paper: The Declaration of Independence was written on parchment, not hemp[3]. Industrial hemp: Jefferson cultivated hemp as a fibre crop; there is no evidence he smoked or endorsed recreational cannabis use[3]. Authentic quotes: While Jefferson referenced hemp in letters, the “first necessity” phrase is not among his own writings[1].Heads up: Distinguishing between hemp (low‑THC cannabis grown for fibre) and psychoactive marijuana is key to understanding historical references.4. Conclusion: Understanding the Quote’s Legacy The statement that hemp was of “first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country” originates from Gouverneur Morris, who highlighted the crop’s strategic importance for commerce and naval defence in 1791[1]. Hemp’s strong fibres made it indispensable for ropes and sails during the Age of Exploration; countries even fought wars to secure supply lines[4]. While Thomas Jefferson valued hemp, he neither penned the famous line nor smoked cannabis[3]. Recognising these distinctions helps separate myth from history and underscores hemp’s real contribution to the early modern economy. Takeaway: Hemp played a critical role in maritime commerce and national defence, but popular quotes about it are often misattributed. Always verify sources to appreciate history accurately. Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection
GrowingSale of marijuana brings to the budget of the country more than 2% of GDP
Do Marijuana Sales Add More Than 2% to National Budgets?
A common claim circulates online that legal cannabis markets are cash cows, pouring more than 2% of a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) into government coffers. While legalisation has undoubtedly generated new jobs, tax receipts and business activity, the numbers tell a different story. This article reviews data from Canada, Uruguay and U.S. states to assess how significant cannabis revenue is relative to national economies and public budgets.1. Canada: A Growing …
GrowingIn Germany, the demand for medicinal marijuana exceeded the expectations of experts
Germany’s Medical Cannabis Demand Surges Beyond Expectations
When Germany’s Cannabis Act came into effect on 1 April 2024, policymakers predicted a modest uptick in the country’s medical cannabis market. The law legalised limited home growing and nonprofit cannabis clubs and removed cannabis from the narcotics list. It also signalled to patients and doctors that regulated products could be safely prescribed and dispensed via pharmacies. In the months that followed, industry watchers were astonished by the market’s explosive growth: patient numbers, product selection and …
GrowingScientists have identified the positive effects of adding marijuana to food
Exploring the Positive Effects of Adding Marijuana to Food: A Scientific PerspectiveIn recent years, the conversation surrounding marijuana has shifted from one of stigma and prohibition to a more nuanced understanding of its potential benefits. As legal frameworks evolve and scientific research expands, some intriguing findings have emerged regarding the incorporation of marijuana into food. Scientists have identified several positive effects that not only enhance culinary experiences but also offer therapeutic benefits. Let’s delve into these findings and explore the …
GrowingLegalization and historical trends in marijuana use
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GrowingMany countries are refused to grow marijuana for export
The Global Cannabis Conundrum: Why Many Countries Refuse to Grow Marijuana for ExportIn recent years, the global conversation surrounding cannabis has evolved from taboo to a topic of economic potential, health benefits, and social justice. As countries like Canada and several U.S. states embrace legalization, the question arises: why are many nations still hesitant to cultivate marijuana for export, despite the booming global market?The Legal LabyrinthOne primary reason many countries refuse to grow cannabis for export is the complex legal …
