“Make the most you can of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere”
[George Washington, 1st President of the United States].
The uses of our beloved Hemp are many, the mere fact of growing it fuels a sustainable society, improving air quality and more. Just think that every hectare of hemp cultivated absorbs 15 tonnes of CO₂.
For this reason, the entire hemp industry is considered “carbon negative“, i.e. it removes more CO₂ from the environment than is produced by growing and processing it.
Today we will discover the 10 main uses of hemp:
- Medicinal / pharmaceutical
Hemp has been used since ancient times for its many therapeutic properties, and is mentioned in sacred texts. Nowadays, hemp has made a comeback in the medical field, particularly thanks to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in humans and all vertebrate animals. Studies show that hemp’s hundreds of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds, in synergy with the human and animal endocannabinoid system, can help treat and cure numerous diseases.
Discover our products to stimulate your endocannabinoid system.
- Biofuel / Biodiesel
Another important use of hemp is as a biofuel. Biodiesel, obtained by pressing hemp seeds, has shown, according to studies*, a high conversion efficiency (up to 97% of the oil). Without forgetting that the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, produced by combustion, is offset by the amount of CO2 absorbed by the cultivation of the plant.
*Studies by the University of Connecticut (conducted in 2010 by the team of Professor Richard Parnas).
- Paper pulp
Paper made from hemp pulp could solve many problems of sustainability and deforestation. One hectare of hemp produces the same amount of cellulose as four hectares of forest. This is because the fibre is composed of approximately 80% cellulose and only 5% lignin, whereas in trees used for paper, the amount of cellulose is 60% and the amount of lignin is 20%. Lignin is a kind of glue that is currently removed by chemical processes with a high environmental impact. If this is not enough, we should remember that hemp fibre is already very light in colour and does not need bleaching processes or if hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) is used, as opposed to chlorine-based compounds to bleach paper derived from trees.
- Textile
Hemp is considered the largest, softest and strongest textile fibre of plant origin. The cloth derived from it has different qualities, sometimes rougher and sometimes softer even than cotton. In addition to its insulating effect, which gives it a unique freshness when worn. The length and strength of hemp fibre rivals even the most modern materials and the fact that it is hypoallergenic beats the competition. Find out more with our article comparing hemp fibre with cotton fibre.
- Bioplastic
Hemp bioplastic is the ideal substitute for petrochemical plastics. It is light, durable and biodegradable, and its production is much less harmful to the environment.
Due to the high cellulose content in both the fibre and the hurd, hemp cultivation is considered one of the most efficient crops for the manufacture of biodegradable plastics derived from plants.
- Food
We can use flowers or leaves of hemp for food purposes, but the most widely used part in the food sector are the seeds. Considered a ‘superfood’ due to the presence of all essential amino acids, fair amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, a source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw or processed to obtain flour and oil from which, in turn, we can make pasta, crepes, biscuits, beer, pesto and pizzas. Note the beneficial properties of consuming hemp-derived products, such as the oil, considered by many to be the best vegetable oil.
- Cosmetic
The cosmetic side of hemp products is booming these days. We can differentiate between two types, which very often complement each other: cosmetics based on hemp seed oil or cosmetics with cannabinoids. In addition to the food aspect, which we have just discussed, hemp seed oil has enormous benefits: it moisturises and revitalises the skin, reduces wrinkles, relieves and improves allergies, eczema and sunburn, and strengthens nails and scalp.
As for cosmetics with cannabinoids, thanks to an increasing number of scientific studies, it is being discovered to be a more than efficient treatment for topical illnesses, muscular pain or post-operative rehabilitation.
- Green building
Hemp could also solve many environmental problems in construction. As it contains no petroleum-based elements, global carbon emissions from this industry could be substantially reduced.
Thanks to its excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, its ability to absorb moisture, its non-toxicity and its durability, it could replace a number of petroleum-based materials used in construction.
- Recovering contaminated soils
The hemp plant is used for the recovery of soils contaminated by heavy metals or radiation through a process called phytoremediation. This process involves the use of plants to remove or neutralise contaminants in the soil or water. It also manages to restore life and nutrients to the soil when cultivated.
- 3D printing
When it comes to new technologies, hemp can also play its part here. 3D printing with hemp filament has been a reality for a few years now. It has a better mechanical performance and does not emit toxins during the moulding process.
Conclusion
Today we have seen just a few of the many uses for hemp. Given the moment of great change the world is experiencing, we believe and want hemp to be part of our future as it was part of our past. Let’s not make the same mistake we made at the beginning of the 20th century, when we dismissed a plant with a thousand opportunities due to stupid prejudices.
PLANT IT.