All You Need to Know About Hemp
Hemp is an anomaly. As put by Andrea Nakaya, it is the “only plant that can feed you, house you, clothe you, and heal you.” In fact, hemp can be used in more than 25,000 different ways – and for good reason.
The plant grows prolifically, is resistant to rot, can grow in any climate, and even restores soil fertility. So not only is it easy to grow but growing it helps the environment and its produce can be used in all aspects of life.
To put it simply, hemp is a wonder plant. And it’s prominence has been pivotal in the advancement of human civilization. So what is it and what is it used for? If you’re curious to know more about how the plant influences your everyday life, look no further. Here’s a little Green Hemp 101:
What is hemp?
The cannabis plant comes in many different varieties, one of those being hemp. In the eyes of the law, hemp is defined as non-intoxicating (less than 0.3% THC) varieties of Cannabis sativa. Though hemp and recreational marijuana come from the same species, they have genetic differences that distinguish their uses and cultivation methods. Hemp can do a lot, but it can’t get you high.
How long has it been used?
Hemp is one of the oldest known domesticated crops. In fact, it dates back to 8,000 BC. There are many reasons this plant has become a staple in human development, from its durability, minimal care, and abundant flowering. Today, it’s used in fabrics, paints, oils, skincare, health foods, concrete, and even biofuel.
Prior to the war on drugs, the cultivation of hemp was commonplace – even mandatory in some places in the United States. Around the 1900s is when it became associated with its genetic sibling, recreational cannabis. Anti-drug campaigns painted hemp as dangerous, despite it not being a drug nor having any psychoactive properties. On the contrary, the plant is sustainable and profitable, making it a rare win-win for both the economy and the environment.
Why is it so special?
Hemp has been cultivated for millennia for its remarkable versatility, resilience, and speedy growth. Its impressive durability also makes it the superior choice to many materials like paper, wood, and cotton. Against trees, it produces higher quality paper and its paper can be recycled more times than its tree counterparts. Additionally, fiberboards made from the plant are stronger and lighter than wood – plus, hemp produces more of it!
Compared to cotton, it’s a similar story. It lasts twice as long as cotton and does not mildew. On an annual basis, 1 acre of hemp will also produce as much fiber as 2 or 3 acres of cotton.
Besides its utility, growing it actually benefits the environment. This is because of its suppression of weed growth, anti-erosion, and ability to drain soil from poisonous substances and heavy metals. Hemp cultivation is also more sustainable than most crops because of its minimal water usage and non-reliance on pesticides.
What is it used for?
The plant can be used in almost any industry. From fabric to concrete and biofuel, hemp’s unique properties make it a sustainable choice. Here are a few of its many uses:
Food: If you’ve been inside a health store anytime recently, you’re bound to have seen dozens of hemp seed products. These seeds can be made into milk, oil, powder, or simply eaten raw. It’s a popular source of nutrients for its rich dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral content.
Beauty products: The plant’s fatty acids and vitamin content aren’t just good for your insides, they are good for your skin too. Hemp-derived CBD in skincare is popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also won’t clog your pores.
Medicine: Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical compound found in hemp. Its benefits have been praised for aiding sleeping, relieving pain and anxiety, even treating seizures.
Fiber: One of the plant’s oldest known usages is as fibers to make ropes, fabrics, canvas, and clothing. Because the fibers are breathable and resistant to bacterial growth, it also prevents odors.
Building materials: Hemp is becoming an increasingly popular building material since it provides solutions to many issues facing current building standards. It’s lightweight, mold-resistant, and breathable. Some of the possible building materials include fiberboard, carpet, insulation, stucco, and concrete.
Looking for cannabis products? At Green, we have hemp wicks, rolling papers, and a variety of CBD products. Check out our full menu here. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us here.
