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All About Hemp (History) Hemp History Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has been cultivated for over 6000 years. China has produced hemp textile since 4500 BC. Economically, hemp has been esteemed because of its durability. For this reason, it was invaluable in the sail-making trade. The canvas made from hemp was 3 times stronger than its cotton imposter and was resistant to salt-water rot. During the middle ages, in England, all landowners were compelled to cultivate hemp as a cash crop or pay a stiff fine. Of course, Henry VII Was mainly concerned with prosperity, not the negative environmental impact of cotton production. Today, the environmental benefits of growing hemp are glaringly obvious. Cotton requires more acreage and enormous pesticide applications, thereby, making it environmentally unfriendly. Hemp, on the other hand, requires no pesticides. About 100 BC, Chinese invented paper made from hemp and mulberry. Since then, hemp has been made into high quality paper. Since hemp requires no pesticides and is a renewable resource, it should be seriously considered for papermaking given the rainforest crisis. For environmental reasons alone, hemp can be a veritable panacea for our environmental ailments. Hemp Versatility Cannabis sativa, hemp, and its by-products have been used by humans for thousands of years in the production of numerous useful products, all having benign environmental impact. Some examples include: fabric, paper, fuel oil, rope, cereal, high protein oil, particle board, body care products, fiberglass, and medicine. For fabric and rope making, hemp is the longest and strongest fiber known to exist. It naturally resists mildew, rot, ripping, and blends well with other natural fibers. For use in papermaking, hemp far surpasses wood pulp in many ways. With a growing cycle of only three to four months, hemp yields over four times the amount of fiber harvested from an average forest with far fewer toxic by-products. Think of it; trees take about 30 years to grow and also increase environmental dioxins and other toxins in the bleaching process. Don't forget the devastating environmental effects of deforestation. Hemp is also useful in producing particle board. Using hemp pulp instead of wood pulp is a much needed answer to the environmental question of forest and wildlife preservation, especially with only 4% of our old growth forests remaining. Don't forget the economic viability of production and demand on particle board in the construction industry. As a fuel, hemp seeds can be pressed and hemp seed oil can and has been used as a fuel oil. The stalks have been converted to biomass fuel. Hemp is used to create fiberglass and bioplastics which are biodegradable, unlike their synthetic counterparts. Scientifically, hemp can be separated into 60 different chemicals each with its own application. Body care products, food, medicine, and industrial goods are some of the current applications. - The Hemp Outlet |
