It seems there is sooo much confusion on the relationship between Industrial Hemp and it's cuz Marijuana. Yes, they are both cannabis, (mind you there has been much debate about THAT), yet they are worlds apart in application and uses.
You can ask anyone in Belize if they know what Marijuana is and everyone knows. Heck, they still grow a lot of it here. But when you ask the same people if they know what Hemp is, you get mixed answers if any answer at all. I was blown away at how many ancestral Mayan farmers had no idea of it's existence or what it was. Maybe if I asked in their own tongue I would have gotten a better response? Perhaps.
As part of our earthangle.vision research, I have gone around Belize meeting with groups of indigenous farmers to see if they had any interest in growing Hemp to clean up there land and make a legal living with a viable, profitable cash crop other than the abundant, market saturated crops they grow now. Once I explained and educated them as to what Hemp is and what it can do, each group gave a resounding, "Yes! We are interested to grow that for sure! But, where do we get the seeds and the know-how to plant and harvest?" That's where we come in.
Let me stress that we are not asking that they replace their food supply crops but merely to rotate out with Hemp for a few cycles to improve the soil quality. Or, dedicate an amount of acres other than their food supplies. Of course, Hemp is a great food source too!
With the dreams, and actions of earthangel.vision we can help to educate the farmers of Belize to the already established information out there in the burgeoning Industrial Hemp Market. We plan to build a Hemp Campus right here in Belize to teach all things Hemp related, from planting, to harvesting, and even processing. As well as building and manufacturing alternative products from Hemp. Now wouldn't THAT be nice for our struggling Belize Economy and GDP? YOU BET! Imagine the Cottage Industries it would enable and create! Yet there is always a catch...
As of now, June 3, 2018, there is still no legislation drafted to establish regulations and permitting of Hemp production. As much as we try in our own little circles here to persuade the Government Ministries, we just can't seem to impress upon the powers that be just how important this initiative is. To there credit though, they did initiate a Hemp Technical Forum open to stakeholders and investors to hear our concerns and ask our advice on a way forward. Three cheers for THAT!
Hemp Tech Forum held in Belmopan held March 13th, 2018
It seems that the Ministry of the Attorney General is simply waiting for the OK from Government to proceed with the drafting, or so we are told. There are others in Government who firmly believe the the USA would never allow Hemp to be grown in Belize on a mass scale partly because of the Marijuana resemblance from the air by law Enforcement, and partly because they think the USA would not want the competition. Not to mention adversity from Religious Organizations. There are those in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce however, who believe that to deny Belizeans the right to grow and produce Hemp is unconstitutional. see http://lovefm.com/industrial-hemp-belizes-future/
Now, we don't want to tell the Government of Belize what to do in any forceful way. So where do we go from here?
Education, Awareness, and MORE Education!
In an effort to do this, I am personally spearheading an action to do just that, but it will require more funding and community support. This action is not a part of earthangel.vision but I hope their members will contribute or donate as well.
I plan to hold educational workshops and Ted Talk style road shows to inform Ministers, Law Enforcement, and School teachers of the importance and impact this legislation would provide once drafted and enacted into law. Plus, a series of radio and television spots to raise and increase public awareness. A group of participants could also provide information packets with links to Books, websites, Youtube videos and more.
If you would like to do a small part to help support this initiative NOW, please join me on Telegram with your intent to help or donation questions. My Telegram user name is Tim in Belize. Or, email me at bfskinny@protonmail.com. I can send you a bitcoin wallet address for easy donations, or you can make a wire transfer, (info upon request at bfskinny@protonmail.com). Or, send an International Money Order or local check if you prefer to: Hemp Awareness Belize Fund PO Box 54, San Ignacio, Belize, CENTRAL AMERICA. Attn: T. Budd
Thanks for your support! Belize needs it now more than ever and the time is right. Help me "Get Belize Going and Growing!"
Join the Hemp Solution Re-evolution today!