Facts about hemp

If you are looking for some interesting facts about hemp, look no further. The much maligned plant is amazingly versatile and eco-friendly. Not only is it useful for creating clothing and accessories, but the hemp plant has found its way around the world. Take note of the following facts about hemp:

Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp. Americans were legally bound to grow hemp during the Colonial Era. The federal government subsidized hemp during the Second World War and U.S. farmers grew about a million acres of hemp as part of that program.

Hemp seed is nutritious and contains more essential fatty acids than any other source. It is second only to soybeans in complete protein, is high in B-vitamins, and is a good source of dietary fiber. Although hemp comes from the same plant as marijuana, it is processed without marijuana's mind-altering THCs (tetrahydrocannabinols).

The bark of the hemp stalk contains one of the Earth's longest natural soft fibers and are also rich in cellulose. The cellulose and hemi-cellulose are called hurds. Hemp fiber is longer, stronger, more absorbent and more insulating than cotton fiber.

According to the Department of Energy, the hydrocarbons in hemp can be processed into a wide range of biomass energy sources, from fuel pellets to liquid fuels and gas. Development of bio-fuels could significantly reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and nuclear power.



Best of all, hemp can be grown organically. A small number of pests cause problems, and hemp is most often grown without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides. Hemp is also a natural weed suppressor due to its fast growth.

Additional facts about hemp; it produces more pulp per acre than timber on a sustainable basis, and can be used for every quality of paper. (It was used for the Declaration of Independence!). Hemp paper manufacturing can reduce wastewater contamination. Hemp's low lignin content reduces the need for acids used in pulping, and its creamy color it does not require the use of harsh chlorine compounds. Less bleaching results in less dioxin and fewer chemical by-products. Its fiber is also UV resistant, antistatic, and antimicrobial. Hemp fiber paper resists decomposition, and does not yellow with age when an acid-free process is used. Hemp paper more than 1,500 years old has been found. Hemp paper can also be recycled more times than wood-based paper.

Hemp fiberboard produced by Washington State University was found to be twice as strong as wood-based fiberboard. No additional resins are required due to naturally-occurring lignins.

Eco-friendly hemp can replace most toxic petrochemical products. Research is being done to use hemp in manufacturing biodegradable plastic products, plant-based cellophane, recycled plastic mixed with hemp for injection-molded products, and resins made from the oil, to name a few examples. Over two million cars on the road today have hemp composite parts for door panels, dashboards, luggage racks, etc. While petrochemicals are non-renewable, hemp is. And just as importantly, hemp is vegan.

Countries Growing Industrial Hemp

Unlike the U.S., many countries recognize the value of industrial hemp and permit its production. Below is a partial list of these countries, along with facts about hemp production there. AUSTRALIA began research trials in Tasmania in 1995. In 2002, Queensland began production. Western Australia licensed crops in 2004.

AUSTRIA has a hemp industry including production of hemp seed oil, medicinals and Hanf magazine.

CANADA started to license research crops in 1994. Many acres were planted in 1997. 30,000 acres were planted in 1999. In 2000, due to speculative investing, 12,250 acres were sown. In 2001, 92 farmers grew 3,250 acres. A number of Canadian farmers are now growing organically-certified hemp crops (8,500 acres in 2004, yielding almost four million pounds of seed).

CHINA is the largest exporter of hemp textiles. The fabrics are of excellent quality. Medium density fiber board is also now available. The Chinese word for hemp is "ma."

DENMARK planted its first modern hemp trial crops in 1997. The country is committed to utilizing organic methods.

FINLAND had a resurgence of hemp in 1995 with several small test plots. A seed variety for northern climates was developed called Finola. In 2003, Finola was accepted to the EU list of subsidized hemp cultivars. FRANCE harvested 10,000 tons of fiber in 1994. France is a source of low-THC-producing hemp seed for other countries. France exports high quality hemp oil to the U.S. The French word for hemp is "chanvre."

GERMANY banned hemp in 1982, but research began again in 1992, and the ban was lifted on growing hemp in November, 1995. Food, clothes and paper are also being made from imported raw materials. Mercedes and BMW use hemp fiber for composites in door panels, dashboards, etc. The German word for hemp is "hanf."

GREAT BRITAIN lifted hemp prohibition in 1993. Animal bedding, paper and textiles markets have been developed. 4,000 acres were grown in 1994. Subsidies of 230 British pounds per acre are given by the government to farmers for growing hemp.

HUNGARY is rebuilding their hemp industry, and is one of the biggest exporters of hemp cordage, rugs and fabric to the U.S. They also export hemp seed, paper and fiberboard. The Hungarian word for hemp is "kender."

INDIA has stands of naturalized Cannabis and uses it for cordage, textiles and seed.

ITALY has invested in hemp, especially for textile production. 1,000 acres were planted for fiber in 2002. Giorgio Armani grows its own hemp for specialized textiles.

JAPAN has a rich religious tradition involving hemp; custom requires that the Emperor and Shinto priests wear hemp garments in certain ceremonies, so there are small plots maintained for these purposes. Traditional spice mixes also include hemp seed. Japan supports a thriving retail market for a variety of hemp products. The Japanese word for hemp is "asa."

NETHERLANDS is conducting a four-year study to evaluate and test hemp for paper, and seed breeders are developing new strains of low-THC varieties. The Dutch word for hemp is "hennep."

NEW ZEALAND started hemp trials in 2001. Various cultivars are being planted in the north and south islands.

POLAND currently grows hemp for fabric and cordage and manufactures hemp particle board. They have demonstrated the benefits of using hemp to cleanse soils contaminated by heavy metals. The Polish word for hemp is "konopij."

ROMANIA is the largest commercial producer of hemp in Europe. 1993 acreage was 40,000 acres. Some of it is exported to Hungary for processing. They also export hemp to Western Europe and the U.S. The Romanian word for hemp is "cinepa."

RUSSIA maintains the largest hemp germplasm collection in the world at the N.I. Vavilov Scientific Research Institute of Plant Industry in St. Petersburg. The Russian word for hemp is "konoplya."

SLOVENIA grows hemp and manufactures currency paper.

SPAIN produces rope and textiles and exports hemp pulp for paper. The Spanish word for hemp is "caņamo."

SWITZERLAND is a producer of hemp and hosts one of the largest hemp trade events, Cannatrade.

TURKEY has grown hemp for 2,800 years for rope, caulking, birdseed, paper and fuel. The Turkish word for hemp is "kendir."

The UNITED STATES granted the first hemp permit in over 40 years to Hawaii for an experimental quarter-acre plot in 1999. 22 states have introduced legislation addressing support, research or cultivation with bills or resolutions. The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) has endorsed industrial hemp for years.

Source: Hemp Industries Association. See the full text at the Hemp Industries Association facts about hemp webpage

Since a 2004 court decision ended the ban on hemp by ruling hemp products are legal, more and more hemp products are available at natural food stores like Whole Foods Markets. Examples include:

Living Harvest hemp products
They are makers of hemp milk, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acid, as well as hemp powders.

Manitoba Harvest certified organic hemp products
This 7-year-old Canadian company produces certified organic hemp seed oil, hemp shakes, and now hemp milk. Loaded with beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it's a great source of non-animal protein, as well.

Nature's Path has introduced Organic Hemp plus granola cereal and Hemp Plus bars to their great line of organic foods.

Why not also try Lifestream's award-winning Hemp Plus Frozen Waffles - high in omega-3's, fiber and protein, and low in sugar.

Ruth's Hemp Foods
Ruth's carries an extensive line of hemp products, from power bars to burgers to powders.

French Meadow Bakery has new Healthy Hemp sprouted bread. In addition to hemp, it contains poppy and sunflower seeds, flax, and quinoa.

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