Hemp Facts

What is hemp?

Hemp is a variant of the Cannabis Sativa plant which is mainly used for industrial purposes - extracting fiber and cannabinoid oils (other than THC). Hemp differs from other variants of the Cannabis sativa species through the amount of THC contained within the plant - typically being below 0.3% THC in the overall cannabinoid profile - and the usage of the plant. 

All that being said, hemp and the Cannabis sativa species overall is an extremely useful and beneficial plant - there are over 50,000 known applications for hemp derivatives, and every single part of the plant is able to be used. Ontop of that, hemp is one of the most environmentally friendly plants in the world and could turn the tides on carbon sequestration, bioremediation, and soil degradation.

Soil Health

Cannabis plants have very long taproots and very large root structures, which reduces soil erosion and compaction. In addition, they're able to pull toxins and heavy metals out of incredibly contaminated soil and store them in the plants themselves.

Biomass

Cannabis plants create large amounts of biomass (organic matter) in a very short amount of time, which allows them to shade the ground and outcompete more opportunistic plants (i.e. weeds). After harvesting, any unused biomass can be composted!

Chemical Free

Hemp is naturally antimicrobial, pest & predator resistant and, as stated previously, outcompetes most weeds therefore requires no pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides! *Especailly if grown properly in a polyculture or permaculture setting

Carbon Sequestration 

Hemp sequesters more carbon than trees - each ton of hemp grown sequesters ~1.63 tons of carbon - and is, therefore, more suited for carbon sequestration than trees or most other plants of similar size.

Less inputs, more outputs

Compared to cotton, cannabis requires 60% less water and 50% less land area to produce the same amount of raw material.

Uses are endless

Every part of a cannabis plant is useable! Flowers and leaves can be used for the extraction of cannabinoids, stems and stalks can be used for fiber which can be turned into fabrics, hempcrete, insulation, etc. Hemp seeds are a superfood rich in omega-3s, and roots can be used in teas or juiced.

sources:

https://vitalleaf.com/regenerative-agriculture-and-the-power-of-hemp-to-repair-our-environment/

https://www.hemptraders.com/Hemp-Textile-Properties-s/1881.htm