Hemp has been used for more than 10,000 years from China and Africa to the Middle East and later in Chile during the 1500s before it spread to North America a century later. The Declaration of Independence was written and signed on hemp paper. Yet, many people don’t really know what hemp is besides the fact that it has something to do with the cannabis plant.
The key difference between hemp and marijuana is that it contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. In certain states like Georgia where hemp-growing is legalized, while marijuana is not, the entire hemp crop can be destroyed if a sample exceeds 0.3% THC. Marijuana is primarily used for recreational and medical purposes, whereas hemp. Cultivated mostly for its fibers and oils, has thousands of uses and applications that extend far beyond a simple effect on the human body. Hemp is one of the most durable plant fibers in the world.
There are 25,000 hemp-based products used throughout the world, according to the Congressional Research Service. The industry is worth nearly $700 million in the United States alone. Keep reading to find out 15 remarkable ways hemp is used to improve people’s lives.
Fuel
Hemp is the most environmentally-friendly, cost-efficient fuel crop in the world. It can produce hemp methanol/ethanol and biodiesel. Farming merely 6% of the hemp acreage in the United States would be enough to replace nuclear power and fossil fuels.
Carpet
The synthetic materials used in traditional carpeting are full of toxic chemicals that trap debris, allergens, and other pollutants, making it a source of extreme indoor pollution. However, if the carpet is made with hemp and other eco-friendly materials, then it can be entirely biodegradable.
Batteries
Hemp-based batteries can be created at 1/1000 of the current cost of energy systems. Traditional batteries are extremely hazardous and far from environmentally-friendly.
Fiberboard and Building Materials
Hemp fiberboard is water-resistant, stronger, and lighter than hardwoods and other materials. The bast fibers and compressed hemp hurds are an ideal answer for those looking to build sustainably.
Henry Ford created a body for a car that was lighter than metal, yet could withstand ten times the impact of steel without denting. And yes, he used hemp. Today it’s used for cement, concrete, and insulation.
Plastic
Hemp plastic is 2.5 times stronger and five times stiffer than polypropylene plastic. It also doesn’t pose the safety risks or health issues that come from the production and use of other plastic materials. Hemp can even be used to create 100% biodegradable plastic.
Butter
Hemp butter, made from hemp seeds, offers a rich nutty flavor. While it’s sold readily in stores, it’s easy to make and awards its consumers with magnesium, protein, and high amounts of fiber.
Milk
Hemp seeds ground and soaked in water produce milk with a creamy texture. In fact, one 8-ounce glass gives the body a significant part of their daily dose of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Iron.
For people with allergies, hemp lets you enjoy milk without suffering from the side effects. Just like other kinds of milk, you can make chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Cardboard and Paper
Trees for cardboard and paper can take decades to grow. Hemp, on the other hand, takes a matter of months. Also, because hemp paper is acid free, it won’t turn yellow or begin to crumble over time. Wood pulp paper can be recycled three times, whereas, hemp paper can be recycled up to seven.
Until 1883, 75-90% of the world’s paper was made from hemp fiber. The hurd or the pulp of the hemp plant can be used to make cardboard and paper. 70% of the tree has to be removed in order to produce paper because only 30% actually has the cellulose needed for the product, which makes it tremendously wasteful.
Jeans
Hemp can be used to make jeans so durable you can wear them for years. Additionally, hemp is naturally odor-resistant and water-repellent. It is also capable of being four times warmer than cotton.
Bags
Hemp is stronger than cotton, its less intensive to grow, and it’s better for the environment. In fact, it’s actually one of the strongest fibers in the world, while also being completely renewable.
Food
Hulled hemp seeds provide you 100% of your recommended daily average for phosphorous, Vitamin B1, manganese, magnesium, and large amounts of copper and iron. Hemp also gives those who consume it fiber, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium. Your body also absorbs virtually all of the minerals and vitamins from hemp because the seeds contain zero phytic acid.
Conclusion
Hemp can be used in so many more items and products than the ones listed above, but hopefully this gives you a glimpse into the near endless possibilities of what can be done with hemp.
