Understanding hemp
There’s so much to love about hemp. And so much more we can do with it.
Question #1: Will hemp make you high? Nope.
It’s a question many ask. And it’s understandable. The hemp and marijuana plants are related. But hemp doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (a.k.a. THC, the high-producing psychoactive compound in cannabis).
But while hemp won’t make you high, it will make you smile when you see how good it is for your physical health, mental wellbeing and the planet.
“Hemp doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (a.k.a. THC, the high-producing psychoactive compound in cannabis).”
101 uses. And we’re only scratching the surface.
We (humans) have been using hemp forever. It was first spun into fibre well over 10,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest agricultural crops around.
And it’s versatile too. Paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, medicine, animal feed, construction (hemp house anyone?). The list of practical uses for hemp goes on.
Another positive: hemp is carbon negative.
Did you know hemp absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows than it emits during harvest, processing and transportation? Plus, it returns about 70% of the nutrients it requires back to the soil as it grows. This means less fertiliser, and less fertiliser means cleaner waterways.
Hemp can even be used for bioremediation. As a phytoremediator, it pulls toxins out of soil like a sponge, so farmers use it to restore their fields.
“Hemp doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (a.k.a. THC, the high-producing psychoactive compound in cannabis).”
Hemp is a nutrient powerhouse for us, too.
The word ‘superfood’ is overused and abused. Not here. Hemp is like the highly nutritious Captain Marvel of superfoods, packed with plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, fibre, minerals and vitamins.
And the best bit? Hemp can be enjoyed in a host of ways.
