Ginseng Forum
Ginseng => Wild Ginseng => : Charlie Osborn December 25, 2014, 02:40:01 PM
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About 25 years ago, I inherited a few pounds of wild root which was likely dug and dried prior to 1950. It had been stored in a tin coffee can, and I have since stored it in my home in a zip lock bag. I am now up in years, and seek to determine the value and dispose of it as part of my bucket list. I came upon this forum while researching, and it would appear this is where I will find the best honest answer.
First, is it viable for conventional uses, or has the passage of time destroyed those properties? And if that be the case, would such an old, (and presumably superior) example be of value to geneticists in developing (cloning?) new strains of cultivated ginseng? And failing those options, would there be a significant collectability enhancement to the value? Also, would I be correct in assuming that no laws or registration requirements would apply to my liquidating the root, due to the circumstances involved.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Feel free to e-mail me at: osborn417@hotmail.com Charlie Osborn
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Interesting question there.
Because of the age and method of storing, the root would likely have no usable value.
Depending on its size, the individual plant's age and condition, it might well have some collectible value, however. If you could post some pictures, we might be able to give you a better guess as to whether the root has any residual value or not at this point.
I am not aware of anyone who is cloning ginseng in laboratories at this point which might provide a value for your root.
I don't think there is any anticipation in the federal laws as complied with by the individual states which would consider or give deference to the circumstances you present. But, I don't think anyone would try to cite you for it and if they do you have a good argument for court.
Sorry I couldn't provide better news.