What the heck is the difference between Hemp and marijuana?  And what’s the big deal about growing it commercially in America?

It’s been a little over a year since marijuana was legalized here in Colorado. LOTS of money has been made by the dispensaries and consumers seem happy, but public opinion on the subject is as varied as the folks you ask. Colorado has neighboring states angry and our Federal government finds itself at odds with State law.  With so many ‘facts’ flying around, I decided to do a little research on the subject in hopes of debunking a few myths and becoming more properly informed on the topic. Many of you may already know all this, but here’s what I’ve learned.

Myth: Hemp and Marijuana are the same.

Yep.

Turns out, this is true....“Marijuana and hemp both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but are different varieties...” (FAQ’s VoteHemp).  Put simply, it’s the difference between a Poodle and a Great Dane...both dogs, different breeds. Hemp and marijuana both contain the controversial chemical THC...just in measurably different potencies which are, by law, monitored.  One gets you high, the other couldn’t if it tried!

Myth: The Cannabis industry is a relatively new economic opportunity here in the US and therefore should be subject to rigorous research regarding its economic viability and social implication.

Wrong. 

So this is where it gets interesting. Way back in the 1700’s, because of its incredibly diverse applications, American colonists were required to plant hemp in order to help build our young country. In fact, it was considered patriotic to do so. And get this, George Washington, along with having his own hemp plantation, made it possible for Americans to pay their taxes with the stuff (Will).  Seems George was taking the term ‘cash crop’ to a whole new level.

(Click here for more info about George and hemp)

In the article, The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America (and yes, this is a real article!), there are all sorts of interesting historical facts about hemp in America. Another I found particularly interesting was the fact that commercially grown hemp met its demise in the mid 1950’s with the advent of synthetic fibers. Right up there with detergents, also developed in the 50’s, synthetic fibers were toted as the “way of the future”. (but we'll leave the discussion of the 1950's scientific advancements in America for another day...)

History shows that between the 1700’s and the 1950’s hemp was put to work building our nation; fighting wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWI, WWII) and actually supplying the fibers for the fabric of our country....drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper (Will).

Great for back then, but what good is it to us nowadays? Well, from what I have read, there are countless economic and global opportunities connected with growing commercialized hemp in America, starting with its relatively small environmental footprint. Requiring few pesticides and no herbicides, this ancient plant has far reaching modern applications. Forget, for a moment,  the medicinal uses of hemp's cousin, marijuana. Paper, clothing, beauty products, fuel, foods, plastics, building materials... the list is endless as to the uses of hemp. Not to say anything about the potential it has, much like its cousin, of contributing billions of dollars to our economy.

Why indeed, Henry?  Once upon a time, the powers that be in America understood the distinction between hemp and marijuana and capitalized on the benefits for the betterment of all. Left with more questions then I started with...I have to wonder, why is the United States the only industrialized nation where growing commercial hemp is illegal?  Politics, money, and special interest group’s come to mind....oh, and did I mention politics?

"Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs." Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

Will, Oscar. "The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America." Farm Collector. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

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Happy Chinese New Year!

It’s the year of the Wood Sheep (or Goat) ...the year 4713 on the Chinese calendars.
What will Wood and Sheep mixed together bring? According to the Chinese beliefs, the Sheep is kind, tender and sympathetic. In the traditional Chinese teachings, sheep bring creativity and are considered an elegant pastoral animal. Because of their softer side, they are symbolic of peace and harmony. So the year of the Sheep is expected to bring us tranquility after a year of fits and starts. Combined with the evergreen and renewing characteristics of Wood, the Sheep's characteristics will offer clarity and understanding.

Very interesting stuff!

Here’s my take. Reveling in a new year, no matter the cultural origin, offers one the opportunity to celebrate new beginnings. I, for one, can always use a ‘do-over’ and the chance to refresh my ordinary. Basically put, I need every opportunity to climb out of whatever rut I may have recently fallen in!

The Year of the Wood Sheep is projected to be a “year for contemplating and appreciating what has already been accomplished, to think about bringing goodness to others, to take a deep breath and calmly look at what's ahead.”

Brilliant! I can do that!

Wishing you a moment to 'refresh your ordinary' on this Chinese New Years day.  May you enjoy new found wisdom and health in this, the year of the Wood Sheep.

Did you know that the name February comes from the Latin word februa, which means cleansing? Me either! When I found this out I decided to dig a little deeper and it turns out, there was actually a Roman god named Februus. (Imagine that, a god of clean! Could I have stumbled on the origins of today’s Mr. Clean? Could this be the beginning of the new science, Bubble Archaeology?)

Now although I love a good bath and a tidy house, I am by no means a clean freak. But I have to say, I was inspired by my new found knowledge about February. It is, after all, the ‘cleansing month’. With cleaning bucket in hand I bravely headed into my bathroom to, well, clean it. I cleaned out the cupboards, threw out TONS of old stuff, scrubbed the floor, and scoured the shower. Certainly not as lavish as a Roman Bath, my own humble sanctuary was simply gleaming. (I, however, was less than socially acceptable.)

It was my turn. With good music, fresh towels, a yummy smelling candle and, of course, a fresh bar of Mountain Soap Factory soap I settled into some much needed ‘me’ time in my newly rejuvenated bathroom. Dare I say, it was pure heaven!

This month, think about doing a deep clean on your bathroom...and then be the first to reap the benefits.

You’ll feel like a goddess!

 Fall in the high country brings blustery days, chilly nights and the promise of snow. The firewood has been stacked and the hay is in the barn. (No, it really has!)

What better time to pamper yourself with soaps from our Fall Favorites Collection?

Our top requested soap for three years running is "Coming Home". Warm, welcoming and cozy.  This olive oil soaps is a blend of cranberry, apple, marmalade and cinnamon and is the very essence of one big homecoming hug.

Look for all your Fall favorites and enjoy a discount now through November 1st.  Enter FALL14 at checkout.

We look forward to helping you with your order!

 Mountain  Soap  Factory

Santa's  workshop  in  Colorado

Meet the Mountain Soap Factory elves:  Kate, Stuart, Julia, Joanne, Chris & Michael

Looking for stocking stuffers?  We're busy wrapping up all kinds of wonderful soaps that make perfect (and very thoughtful!) holiday gifts. Whether you need stocking stuffers for the family, party favors, office gifts or teacher presents, you can be sure that Mountain Soap Factory will have a great selection of bathing products for everyone on your list.

With so many soaps, how do you choose?

Here are a few shopping tips....

Our Premium olive oil soaps are silky smooth and great for moisturizing, as are our goat milk soaps which are EXTRA creamy and reminiscent of an old fashioned milk bath. If you are looking for that perfect squeaky clean, try our glycerin soaps, and for an exotic clean reach for our Shea Butter soaps. Or, just go with your favorite fragrance! No matter the recipe, all our soaps will be a welcomed gift. 

And...

Be sure to take a moment for yourself this winter with our 100% pure Dead Sea Bathing Salts.  Salts from the Dead Sea have the highest mineral content on the planet and therefore insure the healthiest soak available. Dead Sea bathing salts will naturally soften and detox your whole body...its the best thing you can do for your skin! So, treat yourself to our bathing salts and enjoy a moment of relaxation and good health!

Visit us at www.mountainsoapfactory.com for more ideas for your holiday gift giving needs.

~ Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a healthy New Year ~

Mr. Norman Rockwell really hit it out of the park with his ability to show life from multiple perspective without loosing focus on the main event. From my perspective, there always seems to be juicy stuff happening that I'm sometimes too busy to enjoy. So, this November I'm hoping to pay more attention to the checker board game on the floor than the dishes in the sink. Notice more the sound of my loved ones then whether the perfect CD is playing. I know, those of you who know me are saying  "that'll be the day!"  But, honestly, I don't want to miss a moment of what November has to offer...so I'm making a personal pledge to be more like Norman than Martha this holiday season. Will I still pull out the family dishes and make a lovely meal?  Absolutely!

But more importantly, at the end of the day I plan on being exhausted with happiness...not exhausted by the details. 

May you enjoy your very own Rockwell moment this November. 

Wishing you the best from our family to yours!    Joanne and Family

      

It was a blue ribbon day at this year's Routt County Fair for Mountain Soap Factory.Actually, the Factory took home several ribbons; one Purple (Grand Champion), one Pink (Reserve Champion), two Blue (First Place), two Red (Second Place).  Our Private Reserve Settlers Scrub Honey Almond soap received the highest award of Grand Champion beating out all the other entries with its sweet fragrance, silky smooth feel and luxurious texture.  Reserve Grand Champion went to our Private Reserve Indian Paint Brush which is a perfect blend of orange and orchid.  Both are made with 80% olive oil, coconut oil for a rich lather and fresh spring water from the Rocky Mountains.

                  

How will Dad want to spend his Father's Day?

A little road trip, perhaps?  Or maybe a round of golf is more his speed. Whatever the adventure, this Father's Day be sure to include a  bar or two of our specially selected soaps for him to enjoy. All our soaps are naturally made and that makes them the nicest thing you can do for your skin.

Give Dad a little Altitude!  Our fabulously clear blue glycerin soap combines Musk, Spruce and Cyprus for a distinctively adventurous experience. With Altitude, guys feel a little more rugged, sophisticated and definitely at the top of  their game!  Bath accessories? We offer vigorous back scrubbers, exhilarating shower mitts, and the perfect manly soap dish for his favorite bar.

What about the perfect shaving soap?  Mountain Soap Factory has it!  Our Private Reserve Olive Oil soaps have been praised as the perfect shaving soap. Creamy, moisturizing and best of all...made with the best of ingredients.  Our Private Reserve Olive Oil soaps come in several fragrances and even fragrance FREE. 

Soaps for guys?  YOU BET!

Mountain Soap Factory

(Click here to shop our Father's Day collection)