The benefits of hemp are limitless, and people are starting to take notice.
With more and more states in America legalizing the use of hemp, these facts should not come as a surprise. But as a passionate hemp enthusiast, you should always be expanding your knowledge on the subject.
What is hemp, and what are some hemp facts you need to know? Let’s dive in.
1. Industrial Versatility
Hemp is an incredibly versatile crop and is often overlooked for its potential applications. Hemp fibers are five times stronger and more durable than cotton fibers. This makes hemp an excellent choice for:
- carpets
- textiles
- paper
All of these products require resistance to wear and tear. Hemp is also an ideal choice for cosmetics and health supplements. It is also an excellent soil conditioner, absorbing heavy metals, toxins, and fertilizers that would otherwise remain in the soil.
The hemp hurd, or inner woody core, is a great source of cellulose for the production of biodegradable plastics, composites, and insulation products. Finally, hemp is a renewable resource that can be grown in a variety of climates, making it an ideal choice for countries looking to create more sustainable practices.
2. Rapid Growth
Hemp is known to have many benefits, and its rapid growth rate is one of the most attractive attributes that makes it stand out from other plants. Through photosynthesis, hemp can produce higher yields in a shorter period of time than any other commercially viable crop.
Hemp achieves rapid growth in just 80-120 days and can get up to 15 feet tall in ideal conditions. This is an especially remarkable feat since hemp only requires minimal fertilizer and can even thrive in nutrient-deficient soils.
3. Nutritional Value
Hemp protein contains all nine essential amino acids and is considered a complete protein. This makes it a great choice for plant-based diets. Hemp seeds also contain a good source of healthy fats, including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
One ounce of hemp seeds contains about 3.3g of protein, 7.9g of carbs, and 2.8g of dietary fiber. Furthermore, hemp seeds also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, and zinc.
Hemp contains impressive amounts of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage. Overall, it is clear that hemp has a surprisingly high nutritional value!
4. Soil Remediation
Hemp is well known as a versatile crop, but what many may not think of is its ability to help remediate soil. Hemp can help absorb contaminants in soil, preventing them from entering water tables and becoming a human health hazard. Hemp can also absorb and remove heavy metals without becoming contaminated in the process.
Its deep roots also help loosen hard-packed soils, allowing other plants, trees, and foliage a better chance of success. Hemp can also pull harmful substances out of the soil, such as E. coli, arsenic, and lead.
This is done with so-called phytoremediation, using hemp to absorb and transform soil particles and chemicals into a less hazardous form.
5. Legalization
Hemp is an agricultural crop that is legal in some countries across the globe and is being increasingly viewed through a different lens. The legal status of cannabis and hemp varies widely around the world and within different jurisdictions.
In many places, cannabis is classified as a controlled substance due to its psychoactive properties and potential for abuse. Hemp, with its low THC content, has been legalized for various industrial and commercial purposes in some regions, especially for products like textiles, food, cosmetics, and CBD supplements.
6. Environmental Benefits
For starters, hemp has an impressive ability to regenerate itself in as few as four months! Additionally, hemp can grow in almost any environment, requires minimal processing, and has a massive output. This makes it an excellent resource.
Furthermore, hemp is a carbon-negative crop, meaning that it not only absorbs incredibly more carbon dioxide than it emits but also improves soil health and microclimate. Lastly, hemp can be used to make bioplastics, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
7. Clothing and Fashion
Hemp has been used in the clothing and fashion industry. What’s perhaps most surprising, however, is that when properly treated, hemp fabric can be just as soft, comfortable, and durable as any other fabric.
Hemp clothing is also known to be highly absorbent and wick away moisture quickly. Additionally, hemp clothing can be naturally treated to resist fading, shrinking, mildew, and even ultraviolet rays – qualities that not all fabrics can boast.
8. Biofuel Potential
Hemp can be used to create a variety of biofuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, and methane. Hemp biodiesel is an incredibly efficient combustion fuel and has many advantages over traditional petroleum diesel. It can be used in any diesel engine and may even reduce engine wear.
Additionally, hemp fuel reduces certain greenhouse gas emissions (up to 85%) when compared to diesel. Ethanol produced from hemp can be used as a direct-injection fuel as well as a fuel additive. Finally, hemp can produce methane gas, which can then be used for energy, like electricity and heat.
9. Potential for Sustainable Building
Fewer people know the potential for sustainable building with hemp. Hemp is one of the most sustainable building materials available because of its fast growth cycle, renewability, and low impact on the environment. Hemp can be used to make:
- fiberboard
- insulation
- wall panels
It can also be used to create concrete-like blocks. Its insulating properties are highly effective and can save energy costs. Hemp is also free from toxic chemicals and is naturally pest-resistant, eliminating the need for pesticides.
In short, hemp is an incredibly versatile and sustainable material for building construction that can improve energy efficiency and sustainability. So if you want to maximize the full potential of hemp, look into reliable companies like 22nd Century Group that also look up to this sustainable product source.
Take Note of These Hemp Facts You Must Know
Hemp production has soared in recent years due to its sustainability. Hemp is now used in thousands of everyday products, and further advancements could shape hemp into a cornerstone of our modern society.
To learn more about the awe-inspiring potential of this sustainable crop aside from these hemp facts or facts about cannabis, explore hemp legalization efforts in your area and further your knowledge of hemp’s amazing properties.
For more articles to read aside from this overview of facts on the hemp industry, visit our blog.
