Hemp uses and benefits

Hemp has multiple uses. It is one of the most versatile plants on planet Earth, as all parts of it can be used to obtain materials and medicines. Besides cultivation, it also offers the possibility of being used as a purifier and as a soil improver. Learn all about the uses of hemp here.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a plant belonging to the cannabis family, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa. Unlike marijuana, another variety of Cannabis sativa, hemp is characterized by its low THC content, making it legal in many parts of the world and widely used in the industry for its sturdy fibers, nutritious seeds, and CBD-rich oils.

History of hemp

The uses of hemp date back more than 10,000 years before Christ, so it has practically always been intertwined with our existence. From that moment on, the use and uses of hemp became increasingly widespread, to the point of being present in almost every historical event, such as hemp’s presence on the vessel used by Christopher Columbus, where the seeds were also used as food.

Prohibition of hemp

The main culprits behind the prohibition of hemp are the major cotton and nylon-producing companies. These companies at the beginning of the last century were against hemp cultivation gaining more prominence and being more demanded than their own products for textile production.

Therefore, facing the possibility of an obstacle that would hinder their business and monetary goals, several of the most important companies of the time decided to join forces against hemp cultivation.

Thanks to this union between major companies, an excessive campaign against the uses of hemp and marijuana was originated, alleging that they were the same plant and therefore dangerous.

The resurgence of hemp

Later, with the arrival of the 1960s and the beginning of society’s awareness of the use of ecological and natural products, hemp and its derivatives began to flourish again globally. This does not mean that hemp cultivation ceased to exist, as it was still cultivated in many parts of the world. Although by the end of the 1960s and because of the UN Narcotics Convention, hemp use and cultivation decreased worldwide.

Over the years, and thanks to the research of ecologists and certain companies interested in the fantastic properties of hemp seeds, it has regained a place in the industry. Therefore, thousands of products made and/or composed of hemp fiber or its derivatives can be found today.

Uses of hemp

Hemp has a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of textiles, ropes, ecological building materials, paper products, bioplastics, and food, among others. Additionally, hemp oil, extracted from its seeds, is valued for its high content of essential fatty acids, making it a popular supplement in nutrition and cosmetics. With its versatility and benefits, hemp is gaining popularity in various sectors, promoting a more sustainable and ecological approach in industry and well-being. Here are some of the most common uses.

Uses of hemp in agriculture

Hemp cultivation in agriculture is not only carried out with the intention of obtaining fibers and flowers, but also because of the multiple benefits it brings to the soil. It is used to improve the physicochemical characteristics of impoverished crop lands due to climatic conditions.

One of its main benefits is the substantial improvement of soil structure where it is cultivated, although one of its most striking benefits is cleaning contaminated soils.

Benefits of hemp use in agriculture:

• Improves soil structure
• Prevents soil erosion
• Provides oxygen
• Provides nutrients
• Prevents weed growth
• Cleans soils of contaminants and heavy metals (phytoremediation)

Medicinal properties of hemp

CBD or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced by marijuana plants, which is mainly obtained from hemp plants. Since this variety of Cannabis Sativa L is characterized by being the one with the greatest capacity to produce it. In formats ranging from CBD seeds to flowers for making infusions, sublingual oils with different percentages of CBD, gummies, ointments, and so on.

The benefits we can obtain from the use of CBD are multiple:

• Anxiolytic
• Neuroprotective
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antipsychotic
• Helps reduce epilepsy episodes
• Can help cope with the side effects of chemotherapy
• Helps calm spasms from Parkinson’s disease
• Benefits of CBD oil for sleep, anxiety, etc.

Uses of hemp in textiles

The use of hemp for fiber extraction is probably the first use it was given, since just by manipulating its stem and opening it slightly, the quality of the fibers can be appreciated. For this reason, it is understandable why so many different cultures have used hemp fiber to obtain ropes to hold their handmade weapons. Over the years, various clothing items were made, which had great resistance and durability. Its advantages in the textile industry are as follows:

• Clothing
• High-strength fabrics
• High-strength ropes
• Sustainable cultivation
• Organic cultivation
• High-quality texture

Hemp as food

Using parts of hemp as food is not a new practice, but the magnificent properties it offers are being discovered, such as consuming hemp seeds or the oil from the hemp seed itself, which is very nutritious. Hemp seed oil is currently considered the best oil in the world, containing a large amount of vitamins and fatty acids. Therefore, its daily use is more than recommended. Some of the benefits and properties of hemp oil include:

• Provides proteins
• Vitamin E
• Omega 6 and Omega 3
• Antioxidant
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves skin appearance
• Improves hair appearance

Hemp as a cosmetic

The properties of hemp seeds are also ideal for the production of cosmetics, as their rich composition in fatty oils, combined with different types of essential oils, make their properties perfect for the skin and even the scalp. Some of the products that can be found are ointments, oils, shampoos, or creams, due, among other things, to the following properties:

• Antioxidant
• Moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin
• Helps wounds and cuts heal faster
• Combats psoriasis
• Combats acne
• Anti-inflammatory

Uses of hemp for bioconstruction

Using hemp for the production of construction material may seem at first glance like a somewhat crazy idea. Although after knowing its magnificent properties and its great versatility, it is not surprising that it is one of the most demanded sources year after year for the construction of new houses. But above all for the repair of old houses, since one of the most used mixtures is lime with hemp, which is very resistant and also is a very good thermal insulator. Although the most important fact is the little pollution that the manufacture of this type of material produces, compared to typical concrete blocks.

Uses and benefits of hemp in construction

• Production of materials with minimal pollution
• Less need for resources to carry out construction
• Not harmful to workers
• Great strength and durability
• Good fire resistance
• Good thermal and acoustic insulation
• Bricks
• Insulation panels
• Furniture
• Ropes

Hemp serves to make countless products, but here are some of the most common uses of hemp. Nevertheless, its importance continues to grow more and more.