Marijuana is a type of cannabis plant. The key contrast between hemp and other forms of cannabis, like marijuana, lies in the level of THC, a cannabinoid. In hemp, THC content is significantly lower (usually less than 0.3% in Canada), while CBD levels are higher.
Due to its low THC content, this variety of marijuana doesn’t induce the psychoactive effects—such as euphoria or intoxication—that many marijuana users seek. As a result, its applications differ greatly from those of recreational or even medical marijuana.
The primary purposes for cultivating cannabis are:
- Industrial Hemp: Cannabis is grown for industrial hemp, which is used in various industries such as textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, and construction materials.
- Cannabis for Food: Cannabis is also cultivated for use as food, with products ranging from hemp seeds, which can be eaten raw or used in cooking, to infused food products like edibles and beverages.
Laws regarding marijuana, including possession, purchase, sale, and production, are intricate and constantly evolving.
Industrial hemp
Industrial hemp refers to the hemp plant cultivated for its fiber and raw materials, which are utilized in the production of a diverse array of commercial and industrial products. These include:
- Textiles: Hemp fibers can be spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabrics for clothing, upholstery, and other textile products.
- Paper: Hemp fibers can be pulped and processed into paper products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp paper.
- Building Materials: Hemp fibers can be mixed with lime or other binders to create hempcrete, a lightweight and insulating material used in construction for walls, insulation, and other building components.
- Biodegradable Plastics: Hemp-derived materials can be used to produce biodegradable plastics, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
- Biofuel: Hemp seeds can be pressed to extract oil, which can be used as a feedstock for biodiesel production, providing a renewable and sustainable source of energy.
- Animal Bedding: Hemp fibers can be processed into bedding materials for livestock and pets, offering a natural and absorbent alternative to traditional bedding materials.
- Food and Nutrition: Hemp seeds are rich in protein, omega fatty acids, and other nutrients, making them suitable for human consumption in products like hemp seed oil, hemp protein powder, and hemp-based food products.
Hemp in food
Marijuana is cultivated for its nutritional value as well. Typically, the seeds and oil are incorporated into foods as supplements, known for their significant health benefits.
- Hemp seeds are praised as a top-notch nutritional source, rich in omega fatty acids and protein. They’re commonly sprinkled into breakfast cereals and smoothies to amp up nutritional content.
- Meanwhile, hemp seed oil is also highly regarded for its nutritional benefits, packed with omega fatty acids. It’s often used in salad dressings, added to breads, baked goods, and various other dishes to enhance both flavor and health benefits.
Additional food products crafted from hemp seeds and hemp seed oil encompass:
- Hemp protein powders
- Energy bars
- Veggie burgers
- Granola
- Dips and sauces
- Hemp milk
- Hemp flour
- Hemp tea, coffee, beer, and other hemp-infused beverages
Hemp fiber in clothing and textiles
Hemp fiber is a hit in the textile and clothing industry for a few good reasons:
- It’s tougher and more durable than cotton and most other plants out there, so your clothes last longer.
- It’s super breathable, letting your skin breathe easy, which is great for comfort.
- Plus, it’s eco-friendly and sustainable. It needs about 50% less water to grow compared to cotton, and no pesticides are required.
A variety of clothing and other textiles made from hemp fiber include:
- jeans
- shoes
- yoga pants
- socks
- belts
- towels
- tablecloths
- shirts
- coats
- hats
- flip flops
- sheets
- curtains
- blankets
Application of cannabis oil in health products
Hemp oil isn’t limited to culinary use; it’s also recognized as a therapeutic essential oil, utilized in aromatherapy candles, massage oils, and bath products, among other things. Some folks turn to it for managing specific medical conditions like sleep disorders, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Other unconventional uses of cannabis include:
Soil Cleanup
Hemp serves as a natural remedy for soil replenishment and decontamination. Unlike conventional crops such as corn and wheat, which strip soil of its nutrients, leading to drying out and erosion, hemp offers a solution. Its deep roots work to stabilize the soil structure. Additionally, hemp plants grow rapidly, reaching heights of 180-500 cm in just 110 days, providing natural shade that suppresses weed growth. This eliminates the necessity for expensive and harmful herbicides.
Moreover, hemp plays a crucial role in soil cleanup. In contaminated soil, it actively absorbs heavy-metal contaminants, gradually purifying the earth. This multi-faceted approach makes hemp an effective and sustainable option for soil rehabilitation.
Oil Spill Cleanup: Bioremediation
Hemp’s inner core has been discovered to serve as a carrier for microorganisms used in bioremediation. Bioremediation involves a process where specific microorganisms, like those present in hemp, degrade oil by consuming it as a food source.
After metabolization, the byproducts can be reintroduced into the water or soil without the harmful toxins, contributing to environmental cleanup efforts.
