Edward Antil recommended the cultivation of cannabis in his Observations on the Raising and Dressing of Hemp (1777), thus:
“Hemp is one of the most profitable productions the earth furnishes in northern climates… It becomes worthy of the serious attention of the different legislatures of the northern colonies, of every trading man, and of every man, who truly loves his country.
“But as the people of America do not appear, from their present management, to be acquainted with the best and most profitable method of cultivating and managing this valuable plant, I beg leave to inform them of some things that may be of advantage to them.” (1)
The anonymous Farmer from Annapolis also asserted the benefits of hemp husbandry in his Essay on the Culture and Management of Hemp (1775):
Courtesy of https://www.hempbasics.com/hhusb/hh2cul.htm