Cannabis has a long history with humans. Its rapid growth, easy cultivation and many uses have kept it popular throughout history.
Although what many people know best about the plant is its medicinal and recreational use, there are other areas of industry that they may be unaware of. Areas where it was, is or has the potential to be of great importance.
Hemp
Hemp is a kind of cannabis sativa with a low concentration of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid that makes cannabis psychoactive. It does, however, have a high concentration of CBD (Cannabidiol) giving it all the benefits without the psychoactive effects.
These traits make it beneficial in the use of medicinal preparations and skin care products.
Medical CBD
CBD is a hemp-based extract that can be infused into oils, butters, honey, tinctures and edibles for use as a medicine or as an ingredient in health and skin care products.
Its benefits are vast: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antioxidant and more. It has no side effects and works well with other medicines. In oils and tinctures it is taken by drip at intervals of 4, 6 or 8 hours and provides relief, relaxation, well-being and creativity. Another mode of intake is in the form of edibles that act with digestion and provide prolonged benefits and tasty sustenance at the same time.
Skin care products
Thanks to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is used in beauty and skin products such as: ointments, lotions, balms, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, serums and others. It provides an analgesic and calming effect that helps reduce inflammation while relaxing, protecting and moisturizing.
Textiles
The use of hemp in the textile industry dates back centuries when it was used in the production of ropes, clothing and shoes before being replaced by cotton.
Today this trend is making a comeback as a way to create environmentally friendly products with less ecological impact. As we already mentioned, hemp is a plant that is easy to grow with little need for water and space. It’s ready to be harvested in just 120 days and is great for the creation of textiles since it requires less time, water, chemicals and processes than other materials. Hemp fabric is wonderfully soft to the touch with a thermal effect when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. It doesn’t allow the growth of bacteria and, consequently, it doesn’t generate odors. Additional benefits are that it is UV resistant, strong and durable, gets softer with use and is compostable and biodegradable.
Paper
The first type of paper was made of hemp. It was used until the 19th century when the use of wood began to replace it despite the fact that hemp has a faster growth rate and is sustainable, resistant and does not need the use of chlorine or acids like wood pulp.
Hemp paper is an eco-alternative to wood paper that is currently not fully being exploited. There is of course its use for rolling paper, one of the most popular hemp paper products but a very low percentage is used to make other products such as toilet paper, artistic paper, document paper (office supplies), paper filters and tea bags that can also be reused. Hemp paper is very resistant which is why in the past it was used to print bibles and currency, products that remain in good condition over long periods of time.
Food
Hemp seeds contain protein, calcium and essential fatty acids. They also contain linoleic acid, an acid that possesses antioxidant properties and is linked to development and growth, immune system improvement, creation of hormones, the functioning of neurons and a reduction in cholesterol levels. These properties combine to make hemp a superfood.
The seeds can be eaten shelled in salads, smoothies or on their own.
Hemp seed oil is obtained by cold pressing and is marketed as a supplement. It is used in milk production and as an additive in alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer.
100 grams of cannabis seeds or their equivalence in oil provide about 32 grams of protein.
Plastic
Hemp plastic is gaining ground in the manufacturing industry and an increasing number of companies are using it in the manufacture of their products as an alternative to common plastic.
Bioplastic materials such as hemp do not produce carbon dioxide when they decompose and are mostly biodegradable which are big advantages for the environment.
This natural material from the past that was replaced by fossil plastic is now making a comeback. Although it never ceased to be used entirely, restrictions on the cultivation of hemp caused it to be displaced for a time. Presently, however, its popularity is growing and it is proving to be a viable alternative to traditional plastic. Shower curtains, car components, cellulose, musical instruments or pretty much anything else made from common plastic can be made from hemp plastic with the added benefits described above.
Fuel
Fossil fuels are still the most heavily used for energy production but they are also to blame for many of the negative changes the planet is going through due to the high amount of pollutants they emit.
In the search for sustainable and low-impact alternatives, biofuels have appeared as an option that replaces the finite and scarce resources that we currently use.
Hemp can produce biodiesel and ethanol, both biofuels. Unlike other plants or seeds, hemp is relatively easy to grow, fast and adaptable making it an attractive alternative energy source.
Additional uses
In addition to the previous virtues hemp can also be used to make construction material, as insulation, as a water and soil purifier and more. It truly is a wondrous crop.
Marijuana
And now we have come to the fun uses of cannabis!
Marijuana is a cannabis plant with a THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration, a psychoactive cannabinoid that produces feelings of euphoria, well-being, creativity, awareness. Additionally, it is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant.
The most common consumption method is by smoking or vaporizing but extracts can also be used to make edibles.
Marijuana has always been popular despite the prohibitions that have historically existed and the stigmas that were attached to it. Currently there is a rapidly growing industry around it thanks to increasing decriminalization. Every day more and more people are discovering the benefits and pleasures of this plant. Interest in self-cultivation and the preparation of marijuana-based medicines is increasing as well.