Hype About Hemp

No doubt you have been seeing hemp everywhere on the market - in clothing, health and beauty products and in the supermarket.

Why hemp is all the hype:
1) Hemp is a sustainable and fast growing crop. It is ready for harvesting 120 days after being planted.
2) It is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa species, but unlike marijuana has a low level of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
3) One acre of hemp can absorb four times more carbon dioxide than one acre of trees.
4) Hemp and the Chernobyl Phytoremediation Project: In 1998, hemp was planted in Chernobyl to absorb various toxic metals in the soil. The experiment was a success. Team member Vyacheslav Dushenkov stated “For the specific contaminants that we tested, hemp demonstrated very good phytoremediation properties.”
5) Hemp fibre can be produced into biodegradable textiles with antibacterial properties, such as clothing and rope.
6) Hemp hurd can be produced into paper, hempcrete, fibreglass and insulation.
7) Hemp seed is highly nutritious and is delicious in baking, salads and smoothies.
8) Hempseed oil is used for cooking, in health and beauty products and as a biofuel.
9) Hemp root is used medicinally, such as for its diuretic properties, antiseptic, antipyretic and for treating burns.
10) In 2001, New Zealand introduced a licensing system for industrial hemp.