The world of cannabis is an interesting and intriguing world, with as many benefits as there are stigmas around the concept. 

As a cannabis enthusiast, you might know that hemp carries many beneficial uses on its shoulders, thereby raising the reputation of the pot world. But even if you're not very fond of weed and marijuana, you might still have heard about hemp somewhere or the other. That's just the magic of this green plant. 

If you're curious to know what is hemp, and its varied benefits, this little guide is here for you!

One of the oldest domesticated crops known to humanity, hemp is not a newly invented plant but has been thriving with early evidence dating back to approximately 8,000 BC. 

So, let's see what the hemp plant is, it's qualities, how it differs from any other cannabis plant, and why it is so famous?

Get ready for a hempy ride! (okay, sorry! :P)

What is Hemp?

What is Hemp

The world of cannabis is ever-expanding, with each year bringing something new to the table. However, as mentioned, hemp dates back to ancient times when the world had not progressed so much. Do you think people were getting high, sitting around a fire, wearing leaves? 

I would like to think so, but no, the hemp plant is surprisingly non-intoxicating. 

Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, has less than 0.3% THC, which renders it non-intoxicating and does not give you the high that is associated with cannabis everywhere. But, since the primary object of cannabis is not only to make people high, hemp is celebrated in every way. It is interesting to note that both hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis species, but possess different genes, chemical properties, cultivation, and of course, uses. 

Hemp Plant is famed for its use in CBD oil, Hemp oil, and many other industrial uses that give us some of the daily products. In fact, every part of the hemp plant, from its seeds, stalk, to its buds, flowers and leaves, have a line of industrial and beneficial uses. This plant is really the "know it all" of the cannabis group! 

Now that you know what it hemp, let's have a look at the production and legality of this non-psychoactive cannabis plant. 

Hemp Production and Legality

Hemp Production and Legality

We have answered your what is hemp question, now let’s move forward.

Hemp is one of the most celebrated crops among the farmers as it is a rotational crop that brings good yields. Apart from that, hemp also breathes in CO2, detoxifies the soil, and inhibits it from soil erosion. The leftover after the harvest easily breaks down into the soil, keeping it rich in nutrients. 

When it comes to caring for the crops, it does not require much water, or pesticides, and is known to be more eco-friendly than most traditional crops. However, it is important to take the soil, temperature, pH levels, and other important factors into account.

Now that we know farmers appreciate the crop, we have to answer the question of whether they are allowed to grow it or not. When it comes to cannabis, laws are strict, sometimes even unfair, and unclear. Let me spread this out for you to understand what is allowed and not. 

Starting with the USA, where you see the first evidence of cannabis legalization, hemp was not very accepted by many people. Particularly, because of the competition, it gives to cotton, hemp and its benefits were deemed illegal. It was in 1937 when the Marijuana Tax Act strictly regulated the cultivation and sale of all cannabis varieties. Hemp was dubbed as a drug, and it became illegal to cultivate it in the USA. This is one of the reasons why it is confused with its cousin, Marijuana. 

| Also Read: Hemp vs. Marijuana - The Real Difference |

The good news came many years later when in 2014, the US Farm Bill was passed which allowed states to grow industrial hemp for research and development. Again in 2015, The Industrial Hemp Farming Act was introduced in the House and Senate. 2015 proved to be a lucky year for hemp as President Trump signed into the Farm bill, making hemp legal in the USA. 

Coming to the United Kingdom, it has its own set of rules. When it comes to cannabis legalities, it is still very much illegal in the UK. However, hemp finds itself in the grey area. 

Now, what's the grey area?

Industrial Hemp is legal in the UK, with the farmers allowed to cultivate only the stems and seeds. Also, you need a proper license to grow it. The leaves and flowers of the stem are still dubbed as a controlled substance and it is illegal to grow them anywhere in the Kingdom. 

We are well-versed with hemp and it's long-list of confusing legalities, let's take a look at the many uses of hemp that makes it so famous!

What is hemp used for?

What is hemp used for

You know what is hemp and its complicated legalities. I think I have already praised hemp too much, so you get that it is a really important crop. This is one of the reasons why cultivators were required to dedicate a particular portion of farmland to hemp farming. There are many benefits and uses of hemp that makes it one of the most sought-after plants - be it in any industry. 

As we discuss the many benefits and uses of hemps, you will realize that it is used in the production of almost all kinds of raw products, with every part of the hemp plant employed in one place or another.

Let's take a look at the uses of hemp:

Food (Nutrition)

Hemp seeds are very nutritious and healthy, with many people employing it in their salads and everyday food routine. The seeds are available with the shell or de-shelled.

Hemp also contains a lot of proteins, plant-based supplement, healthy fats, etc which makes it a good alternative to nut milk. In fact, it is known as a "complete protein" as it contains all the 9 essential amino acids that humans should extract from food. Since this is an all-plant based diet, hemp will boom with the popularity of veganism. 

Fibre

Before cotton became the leading raw material for clothes, it was hemp fibre which was leading the industry. It died down with cannabis being illegal in many countries. However, with the latest legalization of the product, the raw material may make a comeback. 

Hemp has fibrous stalks which makes it great for weaving into cloth owing to its versatility, it finds its uses in the textiles and clothing industry. The environmental benefits are one of the main reasons why people opt for hemp clothing, and this just might be the future!

We get a lot of questions around how to separate hemp fibres, they are separated by a process called retting. It involves decaying pectin that holds the hemp fibres together where the long bast fibres are separated from the non-fibre parts of the stalks. 

Fuel

We all know that the world needs an environmentally and sustainable fuel. That being said, hemp biofuel might be the next big thing. With more and more acceptance of the crop, hemp could be a useful fuel resource. 

Hemp fuel is a form of cellulosic ethanol, meaning that the biofuel is made from the fibrous stalks of the hemp.

Plastic

What is hemp used for?- this is one of the biggest uses of hemp. Even RAW uses hemp plastic to make their products more eco-friendly.

Hemp-based plastic is one of the most celebrated uses of hemp. We all know that our planet is in the middle of a plastic crisis, which makes it very important to look for alternatives. Hemp-plastic falls in the category of bioplastics, though scientists are not sure if that's a good reason for the alternative. In any case, hemp plastic can be used to reduce plastic consumption at least partially. 

Paper

Hemp paper was the first kind of paper ever introduced on earth. They have been used for hundreds of years and even the first draft of the declaration of independence of Egypt was written on hemp paper. 

Paper is manufactured from either the bast fibre (hurd) or the bast fibre (pulp) of the hemp plant. Hurd is used for its strength and pulp is used for simple papers. 

The hemp plant is also very efficient as one acre of hemp can produce the same amount of paper as 4-12 acres of trees. And it contains more cellulose and does not yellow over time!

Pet Treats

Hemp is appreciated not just by humans, but also by our furry friends. You can now get many hemp-based treats for your pets, which can be pretty beneficial for them too. Just make sure you're feeding them enough protein and manage the dosing as it can be pretty harmful to consume it in large quantities. 

This was all the uses of hemp, and I am sure you’re simply awed by the benefits. 

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp Oil is an oil derived from the hemp plant that is full of essential fatty acids, most of which are essentially used to soothe the skin. There are two types of Hemp Oils - the one extracted from the stalk of the plant, and the other from the seed. 

Hemp Oil extracted from the stalk is used essentially for its beneficial compound called phytocannabinoids. The number of phytocannabinoids also contain CBD, and a range of other terpenes and flavonoids, providing an entourage effect. 

The Hemp Seed Oil is specially extracted from the seeds, also known as hemp hearts, and contain little to no CBD. They are mostly appreciated for their range of healthy fatty acid and are employed in many culinary purposes. 

When it comes to hemp oil side effects, there are not many, to be honest. It is generally considered safe with rare side-effects reported which includes diarrhoea, fatigue, drowsiness, and increased appetite. 

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify hemp plants?

It is slightly difficult to identify hemp plants when they are young, but when they grow up, the leaves are compound with palmate and pinnate shaped leaves. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and it mostly looks like a skinny tree with no branches. 

What is hemp seed?

Hemp Seeds, also known as Hemp Hearts, are seeds of the cannabis plant and are recognised to be a superfood as they have a rich nutritional profile and provide a range of health benefits. 

 

Can you smoke hemp leaf?

Yes, you can smoke hemp, but make sure you're smoking the flowers but not the leaves bit as it can give you a headache. 

Does Hemp make you high?

No, hemp does not contain any intoxicating compound. You can consume hemp without the additional high. 

How long does it take hemp to grow?

It takes approximately four months to harvest, which is pretty quick when compared to other plants. 

This brings us to the end of our discussion of what is hemp and what is it used for. For more such informative articles, watch this space. 

Till then, toke it your way with Olivastu. 

Cheers!