原版英文小故事 31. Little Hope for Hemp

Hemp¹ is a strong, cane-like plant known throughout the world for its durability² and versatility³. In the US, however, the hemp industry and supporters struggle. The US government worries that citizens might figure out a way to turn durable⁴ hemp into illegal marijuana.

As a result, the US government discourages the production and use of hemp and its products in America. Instead, it approves the destruction of millions of trees annually⁵ to produce newspapers and hundreds of other paper products which get thrown away every day. All those paper products can be made from hemp.

Hemp was discovered in Asia thousands of years ago. It is cultivated worldwide. Hemp can grow quickly to heights of 15 feet or more in many different climates and soils. It needs little care or protection to achieve its full growth.

Hemp matures in one growing season. It’s used in many products, from paper to beauty products to clothing. Like bamboo, it is used in the construction industry. Hemp is even good for you. Its seeds produce a nutritious⁶ flour or oil.

Supporters of hemp production and products struggle to overcome the US government belief that the use of hemp might lead to the use of marijuana. Marijuana, says the US government, is the gateway⁷ drug to more dangerous drugs like cocaine⁸.

Meanwhile, the US government does little to prevent the thousands of deaths, injuries, and illnesses caused annually by tobacco and alcohol—two of the most addictive⁹, dangerous, popular (and profitable)—drugs in the world.

 

1 hemp   

n.大麻；纤维

参考例句：

• The early Chinese built suspension bridges of hemp rope.古代的中国人建造过麻绳悬索桥。
• The blanket was woven from hemp and embroidered with wool.毯子是由亚麻编织，羊毛镶边的。

2 durability   

n.经久性，耐用性

参考例句：

• Nylons have the virtue of durability.尼龙丝袜有耐穿的优点。

3 versatility   

n.多才多艺，多样性，多功能

参考例句：

• Versatility is another of your strong points,but don't overdo it by having too many irons in the fire.你还有一个长处是多才多艺，但不要揽事太多而太露锋芒。
• This versatility comes from a dual weather influence.这种多样性是由于双重的气候影响而形成的。

4 durable   

adj.持久的，耐久的

参考例句：

• This raincoat is made of very durable material.这件雨衣是用非常耐用的料子做的。
• They frequently require more major durable purchases.他们经常需要购买耐用消费品。

5 annually   

adv.一年一次，每年

参考例句：

• Many migratory birds visit this lake annually.许多候鸟每年到这个湖上作短期逗留。
• They celebrate their wedding anniversary annually.他们每年庆祝一番结婚纪念日。

6 nutritious   

adj.有营养的，营养价值高的

参考例句：

• Fresh vegetables are very nutritious.新鲜蔬菜富于营养。
• Hummingbirds have discovered that nectar and pollen are very nutritious.蜂鸟发现花蜜和花粉是很有营养的。

7 gateway   

n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法

参考例句：

• Hard work is the gateway to success.努力工作是通往成功之路。
• A man collected tolls at the gateway.一个人在大门口收通行费。

8 cocaine   

n.可卡因，古柯碱（用作局部麻醉剂）

参考例句：

• That young man is a cocaine addict.那个年轻人吸食可卡因成瘾。
• Don't have cocaine abusively.不可滥服古柯碱。

9 addictive   

adj.(吸毒等)使成瘾的，成为习惯的

参考例句：

• The problem with video game is that they're addictive.电子游戏机的问题在于它们会使人上瘾。
• Cigarettes are highly addictive.香烟很容易使人上瘾。