HEMP IS BACK
Hemp was a significant agricultural commodity in North America prior to European colonization and was cultivated until the Second World War. During the Second World War, domestic demand for hemp increased significantly due to the disruption of foreign fibre supply. In Wisconsin, hemp mills employed German prisoners of war. However, following the cessation of hostilities, cheaper foreign fibres were once again available on the US market, which prompted a gradual decline in hemp cultivation. Hemp is becoming increasingly associated with the illicit production of marijuana. During the 18th and 19th centuries, hemp was a legal crop in the United States. Nevertheless, in the mid-twentieth century, the production of hemp was effectively prohibited. In the 21st century, hemp was once again made a legal crop. By 2019, the United States is projected to become the world's third-largest producer of hemp, behind China and Canada.
But what exactly is the relationship between hemp and marijuana? Hemp and marijuana are derived from the same plant species. The primary distinction between the two is that hemp is a mixture of male and female cannabis plants, with the flowers of hemp plants producing less than 0.3% THC. Additionally, hemp plants tend to be taller and contain more fiber in their stalks. This makes hemp an ideal material for textiles and concrete, as it can be used to create strong and durable products.
Hemp has a multitude of applications. Rope, textiles, and paper are traditional applications of hemp, but the stalks can also be used for insulation, compost, animal bedding, and fibre board. Furthermore, there is a hemp-based concrete substitute, known as hempcrete or hemplime. Hemp seeds are utilised in the production of food flour, hemp milk, cooking oil, and beer, as well as in the manufacture of dietary supplements. The seeds are a rich source of polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for human health. Other applications of hempseed oil include the production of body-care products, biofuels, and paints and varnishes.
The current environmental crisis demands a re-evaluation of the sustainability of various production processes. Hemp fibre production is a highly sustainable process, offering a potential solution to the current crisis. Hemp is a carbon-negative crop, as it actively absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It requires approximately half the water and land to produce compared to cotton, and has three times the tensile strength. Furthermore, hemp fibre can be readily blended with other fibres, and its cultivation does not result in the depletion of soil nutrients. In contrast, hemp returns approximately 60-70% of its nutrients to the soil.
After all, it is said that: Cherished by ancient civilisations, hemp is a potential game-changer for the fashion industry.