On 1-12-16, the front page of The Chronicle featured a picture of many community members, local government officials and even youngsters, who attended the opening of the tasting room of Freebridge Brewing.
It is great to see such enthusiasm for a new business.
The opening of the brewery was accompanied by comments about how it gives added value to an agricultural product and how it is “just the start of what is going to be a big year for economic development.”
I can’t wait until we are finally able to put aside the cannabis bigotry, created by decades of a government fueled and financed campaign (Reefer Madness), and display the same enthusiasm about cannabis.
Cannabis is used socially by many, who appreciate it in much the same way people enjoy beer. People like the look, smell, taste, and effects of cannabis, just as with beer.
Social cannabis sales will generate local businesses and jobs, but it is the other uses of cannabis that make it stand out as a “value-added agricultural product” and is a tremendous partner for “economic development.”
The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) has already been generating funds for the state for many years.
After 15 years in place, most people know someone that goes through the expensive, yearly process so that they can use medical marijuana.
The OMMP fees pay for the entire administration of the OMMP, no tax dollars are used.
The money left over, millions, is used to fund several other Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs.
These patients have added considerable money to the pocket of OHA (Oregonians), while being treated like second class citizens.
Hemp is also legal in Oregon. Talk about a “value-added agricultural product!” Hemp is harvested yearly. The “scenic trees” planted by Boardman, could easily be replaced by hemp and can be harvested yearly for the fiber they produce.
The nutritional composition of a hemp seed is incredible for people and livestock!
No engine modification is needed to burn Hemp bio-diesel fuel. Hemp fiber creates strong building materials and much more. Hemp can also rebuild the soil and decrease the amount of pesticides used.
When the first hemp production facility finally opens in The Dalles, I hope I will be alive to celebrate. I really want to be in that picture.
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