INDUSTRIAL HEMP – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Industrial hemp, sometimes referred to as hemp, is one of the oldest crops cultivated worldwide. Its origin dates to the ancient Mesopotamia and China back in 8000BC. Currently, it is grown in many countries – the USA, Canada, China, and several other European countries. However, in countries like the USA, hemp production is controlled by drug enforcement laws and stringent policies formulated to curb its widespread use.
Hemp has been a very significant crop and still is in the modern world. It has a variety of benefits unknown to many. Unfortunately, its value has been downgraded today to the extent that most people believe it’s only a means of “getting high. ” Thanks to this article, which extensively discusses all that we need to know about industrial hemp and clears all doubts.
What is industrial hemp?
A majority might have heard about the word hemp but maybe lack clarity of how it looks. Here is a thorough description of its appearance.
Hemp has palmate-shaped compound leaves. Each leaf has seven to eleven leaflets with serrated (saw-like) edges. The stem is slender with its pith enclosed by a coarse woody outer part called a hurd. The stem is more or less branched, depending on how dense the crop is. The plant typically has a large central root known as a taproot with smaller roots emanating from the main root. The taproot penetrates deeply into the soil, but if the soil conditions are harsh, the main root remains short while the lateral roots become larger. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
How it differs from Marijuana
Hemp is commonly mistaken for Marijuana. The two are closely related in that they belong to the Cannabis sativa species. However, they differ in the content level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Industrial hemp is the cannabis breed that contains less than 0.3 percent THC when dry. Marijuana is any plant with a percentage of THC higher than 0.3. Marijuana is the cause of getting one “high,” unlike hemp, because of its high concentration in THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. The more you consume THC, the tipsier you get. That prompted its misuse, and in turn, Marijuana banned in some countries.
Hemp cultivation
Hemp is a herbaceous plant that thrives best in deep, well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter. Fertility is a crucial factor. It does not sprout in waterlogged soils or clay soils due to its extreme sensitivity to compaction and crusting, which occurs on these soils.
A mild, temperate climate and an annual rainfall of at least 300mm favor the cultivation of hemp. Drought has a detrimental effect since it requires consistent moisture during the seed germination and flowering stages. Average temperatures between 15-25°C are ideal.
Unlike most crops, weed control in hemp farming is a bit unnecessary. The plant efficiently suppresses the growth of any weed. It is a low maintenance crop. Its cultivation is advantageous as they barely incur costs of herbicides and pesticides.
Hemp uses and its benefits
Hemp seeds and fibers have a whole lot of uses. It is an essential plant that has numerous medicinal benefits to both humans and animals. Many users have attested to it being of much value to them. They consume it in several ways, but smoking, vaporizing, and ingestion are the most common.
The hemp seeds contain Cannabidiol, which is an ingredient in several products, from skincare to food supplements and pharmaceutical drugs. Cannabidiol oil is the treatment of severe diseases such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. It also said to ease the symptoms of arthritis, relieving one from pain and suffering.
The omega-3 and omega-6 content maintain a healthy functioning of the heart, and aids in blood cholesterol reduction, further protecting the heart from cardiovascular diseases aside from lowering blood pressure, especially in old persons, if at any point it gets high. Many users have also validated the use of hemp seed oil to be a stress reliever. Intake of the same also increases levels of essential fatty acids in the body which moisturize the skin and reduce skin irritation, a condition known as eczema. Scientific studies have also proven the authenticity of its medical benefits.
Its use is not only limited to it being medically useful. Industries today incorporate hemp fibers in the manufacture of cloth and paper.
Hemp is more durable than linen fiber; hence it is suitable for also making ropes, carpets, tapestry, and many others.
Purchasing hemp easily
Hemp is a widely used product, although some countries have banned its use, confusing it for Marijuana. Local wholesalers sell it legally on online and offline stores in countries acceptable. But since a majority believe in its healing power, they obtain them illegally as much as it is prohibited in their countries, thus an easy to find commodity.