Farmers Friday – Discover Hemp

DISCOVER THE HEMP PLANT

Hemp could just be the light at the end of the tunnel for our ecological issues and can massively lessen our carbon print; giving us, at last, a guarantee to our indeterminate future. The building materials and textiles produced from its strands outweigh the uses of cotton and cotton’s destruction of our planet.  Hemp will also help with our huge deforestation issues. The large-scale employment it is creating in this quickly developing industry could end monetary hardship in third world countries, amongst others!  Hemp gives us large quantity nutrients in its crop, for example, it is non-dairy, gluten-free and it’s seeds high in protein.  For this reason it has the upper hand on all conventional crops.  On the same level, it supplies healing properties to those suffering from a plethora of ailments and physical diseases.

The hemp plant is an unprecedented multitalented fiber producer. A natural source of high-quality, non-toxic raw materials.  Enriching for the soil and from head to toe used in the most diverse of applications.

Industrial Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L. ), is an extremely strong plant that survives on the poorest soil and in virtually any climate. Industrial hemp contains as good as no THC and therefore has no psychoactive effect. And the beauty of it is: All Parts of the Plant can be Used!

CULTIVATION OF THE HEMP PLANT

Compared to other crops, the benefits of hemp cultivation are endless.  Hemp fiber grows incredibly fast and is therefore available in large quantities. This wonder plant enriches the soil, can be used in its entirety, can be grown without chemical agents and perfectly represents the ideal of a biodynamic economy.

ADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP CULTIVATION

• Thrives in almost every climate, grows quickly and requires little maintenance
• No chemicals required and resistant to pests and diseases
• Consumes very little water per kilo of fiber (many times less than cotton!)
• Stores CO2 during growth, positive for the CO2 balance
• Improves the soil, ideal as an exchange crop

THE FLOWER

Properties

Industrial hemp does not contain THC (under the legal norm of 0.2%) and therefore has no psychoactive effect. The valuable CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the leaf and the flower buds, which contain very favorable substances such as cannabinoids and terpenes.

Applications

The leaf and the flower of the upper parts are mainly used for nutrients and pharmaceuticals. Amongst these, CBD products and foods such as protein powder, oils and seeds.

THE SEEDS

Properties

Hemp seeds are among the most nutritious foods. They contain all essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9), essential amino acids and dietary fiber that are necessary for good health. The hemp seed oil pressed from the seeds is extremely usable.

Applications

The oil and seeds are used for human consumption in food and dietary supplements, but are also processed in birdseed and other animal feed. Hemp seed oil is also very suitable for cosmetic and health-promoting products and for the skin. The seed is obviously used in cultivation, and for propagation and breeding.

THE FIBRE

Properties

Scheven, the woody interior of the hemp stem, have an enormous absorption capacity and can therefore bind well to materials such as lime and water. They also absorb odors well.

Applications

The woody interior of the hemp stem (shives) is incredibly versatile. Very suitable as stable bedding (straw) for horses and smaller animals, as mulch in horticulture, but also for insulating material and hemp concrete (Hempcrete).

THE BARK

Properties

The fibers are extracted from the bark, the outside of the stem. Hemp fibers have great moisture and temperature regulating properties. They are also extremely strong, very flexible and very light, which is a huge advantage in construction. And then there is their strong antibacterial effect, perfect for, for example, hospital clothing!

Applications

You can make almost anything from hemp fibers. They are used in building and insulation materials, in felt, in many industrial applications, such as the automotive, furniture, paper and textile industries.

THE ROOT

Properties

The hemp plant grows deep and broad with an extensive hair root system. This improves the soil structure and thus increases the soil yield.

Applications

The root mainly plays a role in soil improvement, so that more of this super plant can be grown. In addition, there are strong indications that the roots may be applicable in pharmaceutical products. 

Source: http://www.hempflax.com