You might be wondering how hemp has been overlooked as a renewable resource. This is partly due to the legalities surrounding it and its relative “Marijuana”. Being lumped in with Marijuana during the ‘Drug Wars’ stunted the development of all things relating to Industrial Hemp.
While there is a huge difference between the two, Marijuana contains higher amounts of THC and is used to get ‘high’, whereas hemp does not contain nearly as much THC and is not used for euphoric reasons. Industrial hemp was still classified the same and made illegal to grow, manufacture, or use in any way.
Almost overnight, Industrial Hemp went from being a trusted, widely used renewable resource to becoming highly illegal. Farmers were threatened with prison time and land loss if caught growing Industrial Hemp. I could only imagine the initial confusion that must have occurred nationwide during the onset of the banning of Industrial Hemp.
Thank heavens, the great citizens of the US tasked themselves with resurrecting Industrial Hemp and Marijuana for medical and recreational use. Without this push, we would still be denied the use of one of the finest and most rapidly renewing resources at our disposal.
All I have to say about this whole ordeal is, God put Industrial Hemp and Marijuana on this planet for a reason. These plants were not engineered through genetics; they have been here all along. Anything naturally growing on this planet should be able to be used. Even the Coca plant, just not in the form that the German scientist who invented cocaine (that’s a whole other story).
Allow me to shed some light on the wonderful and practical uses of Industrial Hemp. You decide if you think this plant is worthy of our trust and admiration. I know my answer is a resounding YES.
Food, Health, and Beauty products
There are so many uses for Industrial Hemp. From cooking and medicinal to beauty products, fuel, plastics, fabrics, and textiles. This plant really does it all, there is not much that Industrial Hemp cannot be used for. And it renews at a very rapid rate.
Hemp beauty products are offered in a variety of fragrances and formulas. You have to shop around to find a suitable product, just as with any personal hygiene product. For me, this is the best part, trying new products. I love the excitement of a new product.
The protein shakes are high in healthy plant fat and protein and are rich in flavor. I have not seen a single Hemp Protein Shake that does not have the perfect ratio of omegas. You just need to pick your flavor and enjoy.
These are all quality products, as with any product, you should check the ingredients for anything that you are allergic to that could be included in the list.
Oh, and let’s not forget the medicinal CBD oil. The very reason we even have access to using Industrial Hemp again.
Scientists are discovering new medicinal values all the time concerning CBD oil, helping with illnesses ranging from epilepsy to cancer, and a spectrum of ailments in-between.
You should always consult with your physician before adding any supplement to your routine.
Fabrics and Textiles
Clothing made of hemp fibers can be found in a variety of fashions these days, no more looking like the tweed jacket got out of control. You can also accessorize with handbags, shoes and jewelry as well.
You can decorate your home with drapes, furniture covering, bedding, and table cloths as well. If you can make it from cotton you can make it from hemp as well.
Paper can be made from hemp, and it holds up better than paper made from wood. Hemp paper is naturally acid-free, which helps greatly with its longevity and quality. One acre of Industrial Hemp can produce as much paper as 4 to 10 acres of trees over a 20-year cycle. Not to mention, it takes a lot longer for trees to grow back (10-30 years), thus making hemp (60-90 days)the superior paper ingredient.
Building Materials
Yes hemp can also be used for construction materials as well. The fibers can be pressed the same as wood fibers for making particle board, and the hemp particle board is going to be significantly stronger than the one constructed of wood chips and fibers.
There is also a product that is similar to concrete; from what I understand, it is very durable as well. It’s made of shredded hemp fibers and processed; then you add water, and that’s it. And believe it or not, Hemp Rebar has been invented as well, and is supposed to be stronger and longer-lasting than steel rebar.
There has even been a car body comprised of hemp (Henry Ford’s Hemp Car), which I find quite amazing. So you can build structures and vehicles with it.
Industrial Hemp also makes a wonderful plastic that is a lot safer than what we currently use, and is biodegradable and non-toxic as well. Be prepared to be astounded, Industrial Hemp has been used to make bio-fuel as well.
Wildly Renewable
For years, it has been overlooked as a renewable resource. This is one fast growing plant, it can be harvested up to three or more times in a year depending on climate and such. It literally grows like a weed.
Not only does it grow like a weed, but it can also be planted repeatedly in the same field and show beneficial results. Industrial Hemp does not rob nutrients from the soil like many other crops. Light water and very little attention are all this plant requires to create its magic.
Conclusion
To sum it up we have been overlooking this wonderful plant for too long and for a bad reason. There are so many beneficial uses health and beauty, industrial, construction, even bio-fuel.
It’s time we start utilizing this plant, and save some trees and have fewer toxins in our air, and stop robbing the planet of fossil fuels when we have such great alternatives.
We just have to take the step and say we want a better planet, so yes we will use this powerful renewable resource.
It shouldn’t matter what plant it’s related to it, if it can be put to so many good uses, we should be utilizing it. And if it is starting to be known to save lives used as medicine, we should be using it. We need to stop overlooking this amazing renewable resource and start utilizing it to its fullest potential.
I strongly support the use of CBD oils and other hemp products. In this article, you will see just a few of the potential uses for Industrial Hemp. There are many more, and I will definitely be covering more in future articles. Sign up for my newsletter to stay informed.
I would love to hear what you think, please feel free to leave a comment.
Thank you as always.
By: Stacie Fortson
Go Green With Hemp
