Industrial hemp
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Hemp_farm.jpg
Industrial hemp is a name used for Cannabis sativa (the same annual herb or plant species as marijuana) when it is grown for industrial purposes. Industrial purposes exclude drug and medicinal purposes. The seed is potentially a very good food stuff but the industrial label tends also to exclude cultivation for food purposes. Legal cultivation is usually under licence, using special varieties which have been developed since the 1930s. These varieties are very low in the drug chemical called THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and relatively high in CBD (cannabidiol), which tends to block the psychoactive effect of THC. Also, cultivation techniques are quite inconsistent with those required for successful production of psychoactive material. Licences are not available in all states or countries. They are available in Canada and at least parts of the European Union (EU). (Please see Legal issues of cannabis).
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Versatility
Hemp's versatility is such that it could be said to be naturally a very industrious plant.
Hemp fibre
Hemp has been important for centuries, perhaps for thousands of years, as a source of fibre from the woody stem of the plant. Both the plant and the fibre are called hemp. Fibres from various other plants are also called hemp however. (Please see hemp (disambiguation)). Cannabis sativa fibre is sometimes called true hemp. Hemp fibre may be used in the manufacture of ropes, textiles and paper. Also it is used in modern plastic-like materials, in much the same way as fibre glass. Hemp stem material is preferable to straw when used as horse bedding.
When grown for fibre hemp is usually harvested at the onset of flowering, before the crop is able to set seed. Some newer varieties may be suitable, however, for use as dual-purpose crops, producing both seed and good grades of fibre.
At least historically, hemp fibre has been used instead of flax (from linseed) in the manufacture of linen.
Hemp seed
As has been noted above, hemp seed is potentially a valuable food stuff. Its nutritional properties are very similar to those of flax seed (usually called linseed. Industrial uses are also similar: the two seeds have very similar oils. Hemp oil is used in the manufacture of lubricants, paints, soaps, shampoos and detergents. Also, it has potential as an ingredient in biofuels.
External links
Badnarik issues position paper on industrial hemp (http://badnarik.org/PressRoom/archive.php?p=1132)
Much information on this subject, including a document exposing the myths about industrial hemp, can be found at http://www.votehemp.com
External links
Badnarik issues position paper on industrial hemp (http://badnarik.org/PressRoom/archive.php?p=1132)
Much information on this subject, including a document exposing the myths about industrial hemp, can be found at http://www.votehemp.com