Hemp is the name that groups the different varieties of the plant known as Cannabis, whose uses and applications are often unknown due to the legal impositions that exist in many countries regarding its cultivation.
However, beyond the consumption on which a great controversy has developed, this silver has accompanied man throughout much of its history due to its natural qualities. In fact, it has been considered a sacred plant.
Some of the prejudices that affect the potentialities of this plant are due to ignorance about the difference between Hemp and Cannabis. While both are essentially the same plant, the former is specially cultivated to contain as little THC as possible, the substance responsible for marijuana’s well-known psychoactive effect. However, despite this difference, some laws prevent their cultivation.
Believe it or not, the candles that Christopher Columbus carried on his journey to America, the United States flag and the very papers on which that country’s independence was declared were made from hemp fiber.
In fact, until the end of the 19th century, 90% of the ropes and sails used in navigation were made with hemp, since it is considered the longest, softest and most resistant fiber of vegetable origin. Even today it is still used in boats due to its great ability to naturally resist humidity and climate changes.
However, many of its uses are still unknown, leaving aside a great possibility of replacing many of the substances and materials that today harm the environment. In this note you will know some of its uses, to understand the possibility that we have in our hands.
What can hemp be used for?
Manufacture of textile fibers and ropes
The hemp plant can grow up to 4 meters tall without the use of pesticides or herbicides. In addition, one hectare of hemp can produce twice as much fiber as one of cotton; and its fiber requires fewer chemicals during processing.
Fabrics made from hemp fiber are similar to linen. They even have the quality of being soft, absorbent, fresh and more resistant than cotton.
Production of ecological fuels and lubricants
The usefulness of hemp as a biofuel substitute for oil is one of the least considered aspects of its use and one of the most important at an environmental level, since the carbon dioxide that is released in its combustion is exactly the same as that consumed by the plant during its growth; Therefore, it does not produce contamination.
In addition, hemp biomass can be converted into an energy source similar to coal, but less toxic, since it has almost zero sulfur emissions.
Production of ecological materials
From hemp plants it is possible to imitate any plastic material or made from wood. This option allows to generate a biodegradable alternative, of great malleability and resistance capacity.
Hemp plastic is used in car doors and bumpers, as insulation, and in construction materials. In fact, the bodywork of a model car made by Henry Ford in 1941 was made from hemp and soybeans.
paper making
As an alternative to deforestation, hemp can be used to obtain cellulose, fibers and oils with less environmental impact, since these plants grow very quickly. One hectare of hemp can produce four times as much material as one of trees. In addition, hemp paper is more resistant than that made from wood and does not require acids or chlorine.
employment as food
Its seeds contain essential fatty acids such as Omega 6 and Omega 3, essential for health. These acids act on the body by strengthening the immune system. Also, they are a great source of protein.
To incorporate them, they can be consumed directly without the shell, as oil or as milk made with crushed seeds and water.
It can also be used in health and beauty products; or to feed animals.
medicinal purposes
Perhaps this is one of the most popular uses of hemp, since it can be prescribed in some treatments as an alternative for people suffering from diseases such as cancer due to its analgesic and anxiolytic characteristics. It is also an effective remedy against nausea and lack of appetite.
For all these uses, hemp deserves to be considered again as a natural provider of many products and benefits for society, leaving aside the prejudices that surround it.