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Hemp is commonly referred to as the cannabis plant that produces less than 0.3% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) by dry weight. What differentiates Industrial hemp from other cannabis varieties like marijuana is its THC content. While industrial hemp varieties contain less than 0.3% THC; the primary psychoactive component responsible for the "high" or euphoric effects associated with cannabis use, other psychoactive cannabis varieties have more than the defined 0.3% THC content. The whole hemp plant has medical, nutritional, and industrial uses, and their exploitation could generate significant agricultural benefits. This can facilitate the creation of production chains that can contribute to growth in rural areas, manufacturing, and food processing.
Industrial hemp is grown specifically for industrial and/or medicinal use. Its products are divided into grain and fiber. These products can be used for various applications such as paper, paint, food, feed, textiles, biodegradable plastics, ropes, clothing, insulation, and biofuel. The geographical and ecological range of industrial hemp is broader than that of most crops: it can be successfully grown on soils where other crops cannot, as it tolerates a variety of climates.
Hemp is a dioecious plant: thus, male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, although monoecious populations also exist. Physical characteristics of the hemp plant vary depending on the end use: plants grown for fiber are bred for height and tend to have reduced branching and thinner stem diameter. Male plants produce male flowers which generate pollen. Female plants produce a harvestable inflorescence and seeds. They are grown for flowers and tend to have multiple branches with many inflorescences (seed heads). Once the female flower is pollinated, seeds are produced. Hemp fits in the typical crop rotation systems and can be successfully grown under conventional or organic production systems. It can be grown with typical equipment that is already used in a grain/ fiber production system. Growing hemp depends on several factors, including climate and seed varieties.
Hemp is believed to have originated in Central Asia, where it was used for various purposes, including textiles, paper, and medicinal applications. Hemp cultivation spread to Europe, where it became a staple crop during the Middle Ages, used primarily for fiber production, creating materials like ropes, sails, and textiles. Hemp played a vital role in the early American colonies, where it was cultivated for fiber and other practical uses. Some of the founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were known to have grown hemp on their plantations.
In the mid-20th century, the stigmatization of cannabis led to the inclusion of hemp in anti-drug legislation. Hemp cultivation faced severe restrictions, as it became associated with marijuana. In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in industrial hemp for its versatility and sustainability. Many countries have revisited and revised their hemp-related regulations, allowing for the legal cultivation of industrial hemp. The recognition of hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity has led to an expansion of its cultivation for fiber, seeds, and other applications.
The global industrial hemp industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Hemp is being explored for various applications, including textiles, building materials, food and nutrition, biofuels, and more. Ongoing research into hemp's potential in areas like medicine and sustainable industry is contributing to its continued resurgence.
Industrial hemp grain is a complete protein; thus, it provides all 9 of the essential amino acids necessary to repair healthy muscles and connective tissues. Hemp grain has both soluble and insoluble fiber which is essential for good digestion and maintaining a healthy gut. They are rich in two essential fatty acids, gamma-linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linoleic acid (Omega-3), with Omega 6: Omega 3 ratios of roughly 3:1 (almonds at 1987:1 and pea protein at 5:1). Omega 3s and Omega 6s are essential for keeping the cells healthy and functioning throughout the body. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which is vital for preventing heart diseases and cancer. Hemp grains contain more than 20 varieties of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, and is a rich source of iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. They are used in various food products, including oils, protein powders, and hemp hearts.
Hemp products used in construction require minimal processing. Hemp hurd (Inner wooden core) is used to make hempcrete, a sustainable alternative to sustainable building materials. Hempcrete is light (1/8th the weight of concrete with the same rigidity), rigid, and thermally regulated. It is renewable, easy to use, flame and pest-resistant. Hempcrete cannot be used as structural support elements.
Hemp can be used as a natural fiber composite and used as fiberglass replacement materials with applications in the automobile, aviation, and space industries. Hemp can also be used for hemp ethanol, which is lighter, usually stronger, and more sustainable than other petrochemicals. Hemp can be used as bio composites in vehicles due to their high tensile strength, strength to weight ratio, bend strength and ability to rebound. In vehicles, hemp can be used for soundproofing, headliner, carpeting, trunk lining, dash, door filler, upholstery, and injection molded bioplastic parts.
Hemp hurd can be used to make paper. It can also be used for other products such as wipes.
Hemp is renowned for its strong and durable fibers, used historically for textiles and ropes. The fibers are extracted from the stalks of the plant. In making textile materials, hemp goes through only 4 steps to be processed into textile-grade materials (retting, carding, pulping, weaving). Hemp can also be used for geotextiles.
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