Hemp

Hemp Cultivation and Processing:

• Hemp planted between March and May in the northern hemisphere, maturing in 3-4 months.
• Selective breeding for various hemp varieties suited for different environments and purposes.
• Industrial hemp grown for fiber production, with tall plants and long fibers.
• Legalization of industrial hemp cultivation in some countries in 1997.
• Decortication process separates hemp hurd and bast fibers using mechanical methods like crushing rollers and hammer-milling.

Hemp Uses and Products:

• Hemp utilized for rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, biofuel, and animal bedding.
• Hemp seeds rich in proteins, fats, and dietary fiber, used in bird feed and various food products.
• Hemp fiber used historically in rope, fabrics, sail canvas, clothing, shoes, accessories, and home wares.
• Hemp’s sustainability benefits make it appealing in various industries, including clothing and construction.
• Hemp paper production more eco-friendly and durable than wood pulp, with higher tear resistance and faster maturity.

Hemp Nutrition and Food:

• Hemp seeds rich in protein, dietary fiber, minerals, essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
• Hemp oil high in unsaturated fatty acids, used in various forms like raw, ground, sprouted, or as oil.
• Legalities around hemp use in food products in the UK and the US.
• Recommended portion sizes, protein digestibility, and antinutritional compounds present in hemp seeds.
• Nutrient breakdown per 100g serving of hemp seeds.

Hemp Sustainability and Building Materials:

• Hemp classified as a green building material due to minimal water usage, non-reliance on pesticides, recyclability, and low embodied energy.
• Hemp fiber strong, durable, and used to reinforce structures in construction.
• Hemp used in various building applications like insulation, concrete (hempcrete), and composite materials in automobiles.
• Hemp-lime panel systems researched at the University of Bath for construction.
• Hempcrete lightweight, mold-resistant, breathable, and easy to apply in construction with minimal skill.

Hemp Environmental Applications:

• Hemp used for water and soil purification, acting as a mop crop for wastewater purification and for soil purification at contaminated sites.
• Capable of clearing impurities from sewage effluent and radioisotopes through phytoremediation.
• Hemp’s effectiveness in cleaning contaminants, chemicals, and improving air quality.
• Weed control benefits of growing hemp densely to suppress tough weeds and avoid herbicides.
• Multiple uses of hemp fibers, shives, and seeds increase profitability, with applications in animal bedding, horticultural mulch, and biofuels.

Hemp Data Sources