The Hemp Plant And Its Many Uses

When most people hear the word hemp, they immediately think of THC. And it's understandable — for a long time hemp was interchangeable with marijuana. But there is much more to know about the hemp plant. 

Hemp is frequently mistaken for marijuana. This can be explained by the fact that hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant, but they are not the same. Legally, hemp refers to cannabis plants that contain no greater than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of the plant. With THC concentrations that low, smoking a hemp plant will not get you high. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains large concentrations of THC. 

Hemp is one of the world's earliest domesticated plants. According to John A. Garraty's Columbia History of the World, the oldest remnant of human industry is a hemp cloth dated back to 8,000 B.C.

Hemp has a lengthy history and because of its adaptability it has been utilized for various purposes for thousands of years. Read further to learn more about the plethora of benefits that this plant has to offer.

The Many Uses of Hemp

Each component of the hemp plant has its own set of characteristics. We will take a look at the diverse qualities of hemp seeds, stalks, roots, and leaves before diving into its many applications.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are high in omega-6 fatty acids and protein and are commonly utilized in vegan “dairy” products, cereals, and protein powders.

Hemp seed oil is a very useful topical product. Because it has a low comedogenic index and so does not clog pores, it is found in many cosmetic and personal care products. Additionally, the oil is commonly used in natural paints, salad dressings, and snack foods.

Hemp Stalks

Hemp stalks consist of three parts — the hurd, bast fiber, and bark. The hurd is the soft fleshy component of the stalk that is found inside. It's commonly found in mulch, insulation, and animal bedding. 

The bast fiber comes from the inner bark and is used to make durable goods such as fabrics, carpets, rope, netting, and canvas. If you see hemp clothing or shoes, it's most likely the bast fiber that was utilized to create them. 

Biofuel, cardboard, and paper are made from the outer layer of the bark, which is also the outermost layer of the stalk.

Hemp Roots

Although hemp roots lack the commercial attractiveness of hemp stalks and seeds, they are vital to the ecosystem. Hemp roots, in particular, have been demonstrated to help remove common toxins and contaminants from the soil, including certain hazardous metals.

Hemp Flowers

Cannabinoids and terpenes are found in hemp flowers and leaves. Hemp leaves have been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years and their cannabinoid components are finally being investigated for clinical uses. Of course, hemp flower has been used recreationally for quite a long time.  

Hemp flowers are the source of CBD, which can be incorporated into tinctures, vitamins, lotions, and more.

Other Hemp Facts

Construction Material

Hemp is utilized in a variety of construction materials, including those used to make houses, cars, and electronics. The plant is a vital component in biodegradable polymers, wood-replacement products, and “hempcrete,” a type of special block.

Fiber 

Hemp's bast fiber is used to make fabrics and textiles like rope, paper, and canvas, as previously mentioned. The plant's fiber is quite adaptable.

Biofuel

Biofuels, such as biodiesel, can be created from the oil extracted from the hemp plant's seeds and stalks. Biodiesel, often known as "hempoline," is a fuel that is used to power engines. However, the synthesis necessitates a significant amount of hemp.

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