ABOUT HEMP
Hemp, or industrial
hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown
specifically for industrial use. It can be used to make a wide range of
products. Along with bamboo, hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on
Earth. It was also one of the first plants to be spun into usable fibre. It can
be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, rope, textiles,
clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal
feed.
Although cannabis as a
drug and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis sativa and
contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are
distinct strains with unique phytochemical compositions and uses. Hemp has
lower concentrations of THC and may have higher concentrations of cannabidiol
(CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects. The legality of
industrial hemp varies widely between countries. Some governments regulate the
concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred with an especially low
THC content.
In 2020, the United
Nations recommendation to explicitly remove international control from hemp
products containing predominantly cannabidiol and not more than 0.2% of THC was
rejected by a majority of votes, meaning that hemp and extracts thereof will
remain in some legal ambiguity under the current UN conventions.
Hemp is used to make a
variety of commercial and industrial products, including rope, textiles,
clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. The bast
fibres can be used to make textiles that are 100% hemp, but they are commonly
blended with other fibres, such as flax, cotton or silk, as well as virgin and
recycled polyester, to make woven fabrics for apparel and furnishings. The
inner two fibres of the plant are woodier and typically have industrial
applications, such as mulch, animal bedding, and litter. When oxidized (often
erroneously referred to as "drying"), hemp oil from the seeds becomes
solid and can be used in the manufacture of oil-based paints, in creams as a
moisturizing agent, for cooking, and in plastics. Hemp seeds have been used in
bird feed mix as well. A survey in 2003 showed that more than 95% of hemp seed
sold in the European Union was used in animal and bird feed.
Sustainability
Hemp is classified
under the green category of building design, primarily due to its positive
effects on the environment. A few of its benefits include but are not limited
to the suppression of weed growth, anti-erosion, reclamation properties, and
the ability to drain soil from poisonous substances and heavy metals.
The use of hemp is
beginning to gain popularity alongside other natural materials. This is because
cannabis processing is done mechanically with minimal harmful effects on the
environment. A part of what makes hemp sustainable is its minimal water usage
and unreliability on pesticides for proper growth. It is recyclable, non-toxic,
and biodegradable, making hemp a popular choice in green building construction.
Hemp fibre is known to
have high strength and durability and has been known to be a good protector
against vermin. The fibre has the capability to reinforce structures by
embossing threads and cannabis shavers. Hemp has been involved more recently in
the building industry, producing building construction materials including
insulation, hempcrete, and varnishes
Hemp made materials
have low embodied energy. The plant has the ability to absorb large amounts of
CO2, providing air quality, thermal balance, creating a positive environmental
impact.
Hemp’s properties
allow mold resistance, and its porous materiality makes the building materials
made of it breathable. In addition hemp possesses the ability to absorb and
release moisture without deteriorating. Hemp can be non-flammable if mixed with
lime and could be applied on numerous aspects of the building (wall, roofs,
etc.) due to its lightweight properties.