The Hemp Report

eBay is at it again. A few days ago I received an automatic search email from eBay with this auction in it:

Hemp Marijuana Farmer's Bulletin How To Grow 1943

     Wow, I thought - sweet. I've always wanted a copy of "HEMP" the USDA Farmers' Bulletin No. 1935! Here is a PDF copy of HEMP that we have here on The Hemp Report web site. (PDF file 5.6MB)

But, no - the auction was removed by eBay. So I emailed them:

Ask about bidding or buying > Bidding and buying > Is this item allowed
or prohibited?

Message: Dear eBay,
     I received this automatic email below this morning to my search criteria "bulletin hemp". The listing was for a copy of USDA Farmer's Bulletin No. 1935 "HEMP" from 1943. It is not a drug publication, but a manual on how to grow hemp for the war effort. Hemp and marijuana are different varieties of Cannabis sativa, with hemp being the low-THC variety. THC was not discovered until the 1960's, so this USDA publication sometimes mistakenly refers to hemp as "marihuana".

     I wanted to bid on this item. Why was this listing was removed?

Thanks,

Tom Murphy

     Here is what I received in return:

Hello Tom,

Thank you for writing with your concerns. I am happy to help.

Since drugs and drug paraphernalia are not permitted on eBay, neither
are informational items for the growing or procurement of drugs or drug
paraphernalia.

To learn more about prohibited and restricted items please go to:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/items-ov.html

It has been my pleasure to assist you Tom. Thank you for choosing eBay
and have a great day.

Regards,

Ralston
Community Watch
eBay Trust and Safety

     So, of course I wrote back:

Dear Ralston,
     This is not an acceptable answer. You obviously did not read the information that I provided for you. The U.S. Government publication in question is not a informational item for the growing or procurement of drugs. How do I appeal this decision?

Thanks,

Tom

     I'll update you on this as it happens. Of course there are no informational items for the growing or procurement of drugs on eBay. Oh, yes I almost forgot - have a great day.