Reefer madness and the future of hemp

Reefer madness and the future of hemp

From Outside/In by NHPR

February 25, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode explores the historical significance of hemp in America and its various uses, while addressing misconceptions about its relationship to marijuana.

Hemp used to be a staple of life in America. King James I demanded that colonists produce it. Hemp rope and fabric were ubiquitous throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The USDA even produced a WWII newsreel called “Hemp for Victory.” But other materials came to replace hemp – wood pulp for paper, and cotton and synthetics for fabric. Why? For that matter, what is hemp? Is it different from weed? And does it actually have 25,000 uses as its proponents claim? Featuring Hector “Freedom” Gerardo, David Suchoff, John Fike, and Danny Desjarlais. Note: This episode originally aired in April, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Hector “Freedom” Gerardo, David Suchoff, John Fike, Danny Desjarlais

Topics covered

  • hemp
  • history
  • agriculture
  • materials
  • cultural significance

Keywords

  • hemp uses
  • cultural history
  • agricultural products

Mentioned in this episode

Products: hemp rope, hemp fabric, hemp paper

Places: America

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