Hemp history week celebrated

Vernon, N.J. — Healthy Thymes Market, Route 94 in Vernon, N.J., will celebrate the third annual Hemp history week, a national grass roots education campaign taking place from June 4 through 10, that seeks to renew strong support for hemp farming in the United States.

As a renewable resource that offers a long list of health and nutritional benefits, hemp is one of the fastest-growing categories in the natural foods industry, according to organizers of the event.

It is a complete protein, containing all 10 essential amino acids, with no enzyme inhibitors, making it more digestible by the human body. Hemp seeds are also gluten-free.

The national campaign will promote the theme of "Hemp for a Healthy Future" and has attracted endorsements from physician Dr. Andrew Weil, actress and author Alicia Silverstone, TV personality and consumer advocate Phil Lempert, health advocate Elizabeth Kucinich, registered dietician Ashley Koff, Ironman triathlete and nutrition expert Brendan Brazier, holistic health counselor Alexandra Jamieson, former NBA champion John Sally, Global Exchange co-founder Kevin Danaher, as well as musicians Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti and Dar Williams.

This year's effort builds on the second annual campaign held last May, which mobilized supporters of hemp farming nationwide, including hundreds of volunteers who organized more than 500 events throughout all 50 states, and generated tens of thousands of letters and postcards to the President and Attorney General in support of hemp farming.

This year Hemp History Week will feature a national retailer program with more than 700 participating stores, local events, petition drives, a national restaurant program, and product sampling.

Healthy Thymes Market will be offering samples, sales and coupons on hemp foods, supplements and body care.

“Hemp was once an important crop for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and thousands of American farmers across the country, including farmers here in New Jersey, until it was outlawed completely in 1970 by the Controlled Substances Act," Jennifer Rodriguez, manager at Healthy Thymes Market and local event organizer, said in a press release announcing the effort. "Hemp history week will help residents of Sussex and Orange counties learn about our rich hemp heritage as well as the tremendous environmental and economic benefits that would come with growing hemp in America once again.

For more information visit Healthy Thymes Market, 265 Route 94, Vernon, N.J., or call 973-209-8555.