Facts about Hemp

When you say hemp to most people they tend to either think that it is a wonder plant or that it was sent by the devil himself, (I would like to think that member of this community would be the latter). There is a lot of research you can read on hemp and its many great qualities and there are a lot of little known facts about it out there. Here are some of them for your enlightenment and pleasure.

Historical Facts:

• The first known written records of hemp farming goes back 5000 years to ancient China.
• The oldest relic of human industry is a piece of hemp fabric that dates back to 8,000 BC
• From 1631 right up until the early 1800's, it was legal to pay taxes with hemp in the USA.
• In the 17th and 18th centuries it was illegal for farmers to refuse to grow hemp in the USA.
• Up until recent history, 90% of the worlds ship sails and ropes were made from hemp.
• Up until 1820 and the introduction of cotton, 80% of the worlds fabrics were produced with hemp.
• The word canvas comes from the old English word “Canevas” which is derivative of the Latin word for cannabis.
• In England, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I made statutes enforcing its growth, expats used to be rewarded citizenship for growing hemp.
• The United States Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper.
• Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp on their plantations.

Health Facts:

• Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of omega 3 and healthy fatty acids, it also help control cholesterol.
• Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant.
• The vast quantities of fibre in hemp seeds help keel your digestive tract clean and healthy.
• Antioxidants and plant sterols contained in hemp seeds help reduce the risk of colon, prostate and breast cancer.

Environmental Facts:

• Fuel made from hemp burns clean and does not contribute to global warming.
• In 1916, the government of the USA predicted that it would be able to halt all tree-felling by 1940 as the use of hemp would takeover. Their studies found that 1 acre of hemp was equivalent to 4.1 acres of trees and much easier to grow.
• It is the fastest producer of biomass in the world, one acre can yield 10 tons in four months – much greater yields then any wood.
• Planting 6% of the US landmass could grow enough biomass to cover all of America's energy needs.
• Hemp biomass can be converted to gasoline.
• Hemp has a higher cellulose content than wood, roughly 77% compared to woods 60%. This makes it a better resource for most things wood is used for.
• Hemp is very easy to grow, no pesticides or herbicides are required to grow it on an industrial level.

Industry:

• Almost anything that can be made from wood, cotton or petroleum can be made from hemp.
• There are over 25,000 products that are currently made from hemp.
• By treating the plant fibres, it is possible to make a cost effect, heat resistant and practical building material.
• Hemp plastic is biodegradable, synthetic plastic is not.

As you can see, hemp has a lot going for it, and this is only just scratching the surface. If you are really interested in all of the wonderful traits of hemp, we really encourage you to go out there yourself and see what can be done with it.