re: Birdseed that Birds will Actually Eat

Cannabis seeds!

" By Lynda Dominic

Campus birds are gorging themselves on hemp seeds, with the approval of the Associated Students of Orange Coast College.

ASOCC approved the proposal by the Hemp Club to stock the campus with birdfeeders filled with hemp seeds. The birdfeeders were distributed on the campus last Tuesday.

Hemp seed is the most nutritious bird food available. It contains all the amino acids and essential fatty acids required to sustain life. Hemp seed also provides complete protein in an easily digestible form.

Lee Wilson, president of the Hemp Club, says that some campus clubs oppose the use of the birdfeeders and oppose the Hemp Club. Wilson says that at least 75 percent of the club’s banners have been stolen or defaced this semester.

Terry Craig, head of Maintenance and Operations, says that no incidents of vandalism to the birdfeeders have been reported.

Trustee Scott McCarthy said, “Through our research prior to voting we know the seeds are treated so that they can’t produce plants. They’re very nutritious for the birds.”

The hemp seed used in bird food is sterile and contains no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal chemical intoxicant found in marijuana. Hemp seed is imported into the United States because U.S. law prohibits growing hemp, even sterile hemp.

Birdfeeders are commonly stocked with hemp seeds because birds prefer them. They will select and eat them first from a pile of mixed seeds, according to congressional testimony. Bird food companies told congress that song birds will not sing without a diet of hemp seed.

Bird food is the last remaining legal use of hemp in this country. Hemp is commonly harvested in other countries, such as Italy, to make rope, fiber, paper and oils.

The United States has only recently banned the use of hemp. Mandatory hemp-growing laws were common during colonial times. Hemp was used as legal tender (money) form 1631 until the 1800s.

The Hemp Club meets every Monday at 12:30 p.m. on the grass in front of the bookstore. “Everybody is welcome to come by and see what it’s all about,” Wilson said.

Example of a campus activity, as reported in the campus newspaper (the OCC Coast Report) on Wednesday, November 8, 1995"