Part 13/21:
The narrative shifts to the history of hemp and its entangled relationship with industry and propaganda. William Randolph Hearst's extensive media empire, built on newspaper magnate influence, is implicated in demonizing hemp to protect wood and paper industries. Stories of conspiracy allege that hemp was vilified to serve economic interests, notably against the rising power of nylon and synthetic fibers. The mythos suggests that hemp's potential as a sustainable, versatile crop was suppressed through misinformation and political manipulation, linking historical economic battles to modern debates on legalization.