Global Industrial Hemp Solutions
What is Industrial Hemp?
Industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is specifically cultivated for industrial purposes. It is legally defined in many countries, including the United States, as the Cannabis plant that produces less than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound that is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. THC concentrations are primarily used to differentiate between Industrial Hemp and marijuana. Industrial hemp has less than 0.3% THC content while marijuana plants have much higher THC concentrations.
​
The whole industrial hemp plant has nutritional, nutritional, and medicinal uses, and their exploitation could generate significant benefits in the agricultural, processing, manufacturing, and other industries. Products from the hemp plant are divided into seeds and fiber, which can be processed for a variety of applications.
Hemp History
Industrial hemp cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for diverse applications. One of the earliest recorded uses of industrial hemp was in ancient China, where it was cultivated for fiber to make textiles and paper. Hemp soon spread to other regions, including Europe, where it became an essential crop during the Middle Ages. European societies relied on hemp for the production of ropes, sails, and clothing.
​
In the early 20th century, industrial hemp was prohibited in many parts of the world, mainly due to its association with marijuana. Because of similarities between hemp and marijuana and the inability to distinguish between the two plants at the time, hemp and marijuana were often grouped together under drug laws, leading to the widespread ban of both plants.
​
Ancient China: Hemp cultivation in China can be traced back to around 2800 BCE. The Chinese used hemp fibers to make textiles, ropes, paper, and household items. The oldest known paper document, the Chinese text "The Diamond Sutra," was printed on hemp paper in the 9th century.
Ancient Egypt: Hemp was cultivated in ancient Egypt for fiber production. The plant's fibers created ropes, sails, and textiles. Hemp seeds were also used as a food source and for medicinal purposes.
​​
Ancient India: Hemp cultivation was prevalent in ancient India, where it was used for fiber production, making textiles, and as a medicinal plant. The ancient Indian text "Atharva Veda" mentions hemp as a sacred plant with various uses.
Ancient Europe: Hemp cultivation spread throughout Europe, becoming an important crop. Hemp fibers were used for textiles, ropes, and shipbuilding. Hemp seeds were also consumed as food.
Colonial America: Hemp cultivation was encouraged in colonial America, with laws in place requiring farmers to grow hemp. Hemp fibers were used for rope, sails, clothing, and other textile applications. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
​
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in industrial hemp due to its numerous benefits. The versatility and sustainability of this crop have led to its use in various industries, including textiles, construction, nutrition, and medicine. Additionally, the growing recognition of hemp as a renewable resource has prompted governments to revisit their policies, legalizing its cultivation and promoting research and development.
​
The whole industrial hemp plant has nutritional and medicinal uses, and their exploitation could generate significant benefits in the agricultural, processing, manufacturing, and other industries. Products from the hemp plant are divided into seeds and fiber, which can be processed for a variety of applications.
Regulation and Prohibition
19th and 20th Centuries: The industrial revolution brought new technologies for textile production, leading to a decline in hemp cultivation as cotton became more popular. In the early 20th century, concerns over drug abuse led to the prohibition of cannabis in various countries, including the United States. Hemp was grouped together with marijuana, despite having different chemical compositions.
​​
Late 20th Century: In the late 20th century, there was a renewed interest in industrial hemp due to its potential as a versatile and sustainable crop. Countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands began legalizing and regulating hemp cultivation.
2018 U.S. Farm Bill: In the United States, the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) from the controlled substances list, allowing for the regulated cultivation and production of industrial hemp.​
Present Day
Industrial hemp is experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to its various applications. It is cultivated in many countries for fiber, seed, and CBD production. Hemp-derived products such as textiles, paper, building materials, food products, cosmetics, and supplements have gained significant market presence.
​​
The history of industrial hemp is characterized by its versatile uses, cultural significance, and periods of regulation and prohibition. Today, as awareness of its potential benefits grows, industrial hemp is being recognized for its economic, environmental, and nutritional value.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.