It is important to remember that industrial hemp is revolutionary plant that can help us build upcoming generations and better future altogether. Since it features numerous contributions and applications, hemp is emerging as a crucial aspect of agricultural commodity, while its appeal has increased steadily in 21st century.
Back in the day, people used it for numerous reasons, which drastically changed in the beginning of 20th century. Nowadays, we are getting back to it due to eco-friendliness regarding a sustainable growth system that will ensure overall function.
Growing hemp can help you improve local state economy and boost the chances for creating job possibilities, especially in areas where agriculture is primary source of income. The revival of this centuries old crops can be a turning point that can help farmers worldwide create more affordable living than before.
We can differentiate numerous advantages of hemp production, since it can help us improve overall socio-economic status across the globe, which will directly translate into higher GDP per capita. It is vital to enter here to learn more about hemp production in Alabama.
The most problematic misconception is that hemp is psychoactive marijuana. However, the truth is that hemp features a different genetic makeup and chemical constitutions among other things. The hemp plant features two essential cannabinoids such as cannabidiol or CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
When it comes to hemp, THC is lower than 0.3%, while the marijuana features up to twenty percent. At the same time, you should know that certain hemp species feature medicinal properties due to high CBD content. However, cannabinoids are mostly found in trichomes of female plant.
The concentrations of cannabinoids are lower in shoot, root and leaf tissues, while it features negligible levels on seed oil, seed and pollen of the plant.
A Brief History
It is vital to remember that hemp originates from Central Asia, which is intermediate region such as the South Caucasus, Siberia, Himalayas and Central Asia, as well as regions next to the Caspian Sea. The origin center of hemp covers western, central and eastern regions of Asia.
For instance, archeologists have considered China as the center of origin, since they started using it for different applications. It was introduced to Europe around 1200 BC, while it expanded to other parts of the world in that period.
It became popular in Europe because it was the primary component for manufacturing of paper, and it was also used to print Bibles. In 1794, George Washington urged farmers to grow Indian hemp seeds and place them everywhere due to extraordinary potential this specific plant has in different areas.
Historians believe that hemp plan is indigenous to both Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, while it is widely found in Himalayan Mountain regions including Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal. Numerous religious scriptures such as the Vedas considered it a sacred plant.
Different Applications
1. Paper
As mentioned above, hemp has a huge potential to be a substitute for trees when it comes to paper production. Therefore, it can easily stabilize deforestation effects, which are continually increasing and affecting climate. Historically, the Chinese mastered the technique of producing paper from hemp fibers a thousand years ago.
The best thing about it is higher length, strength and fineness compared with regular wood paper. At the same time, the plant grows at a faster rate, which means higher production of paper within the smaller period. It is way better solution than trees, because they require years to grow so we can use them for paper.
Apart from that, the quality of paper that comes from hemp is more durable and better than the ones we currently use.
2. Plastic Substitute
Although we have started reducing the plastic footprint in last decade, it is still inevitable part of our daily lives. Still, we can easily replace it with biodegradable plastics or bioplastics, which is vital to remember.
This particular polysaccharide comes from hemp, meaning we can extract it to create rayon, cellophane, celluloid and other things related. As a result, we can reduce the dependency on petrochemical plastics, which are becoming too expensive for environment.
That way, we can tackle the common issues associated with plastic degradation, which will directly affect the way we impact the environment. Check out this website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/industrial-hemp to learn more about industrial hemp crops.
3. Fuel
Another important consideration is the chance to use hemp oil as a biofuel. You should know that biofuel comes from biodiesel and bioethanol, which has a potential to replace the requirement for fossil fuels that are affecting our surroundings and material situation.
A few nations have united in the last few years to create the better alternative to fossil fuels. If we consider this particular scenario, biofuels from hemp can inherit the usage and emerge as the better and renewable alterative than other options.
Still, today it is challenging to understand the economic vigor due to low production of crop, but by farming it in large quantities we can start thinking in this direction.
4. Textiles
You have probably heard stories about textile fibers that come from hemp, which are more versatile and durable than cotton fibers. Hemp fiber is processed and grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides, meaning it is eco-friendly product.
At the same time, vital properties of hemp fiber include sustainability, eco-friendliness, sturdiness and higher strength than other fiber options that are currently used in textile industry.
That way, you can prevent a formation of bacteria after high humidity, while it can easily intercept UV rays. After usage, it is simple to recycle it, making hemp perfect alternative to cotton and other fibers. You should visit this page to learn more about hemp uses and applications especially regarding health benefits.
5. Building Material
Finally, you should remember that bio-based building materials that we can obtain from hemp come with different advantages over regular options that are currently used by construction companies. The primary benefit are properties because it is lightweight, sturdy, fire-proof, self-insulated, water-resistant, low-production expenses and pest resistant.
Based on different studies and reports, these materials are perfect for areas with frequent natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. At the same time, these building materials can capture carbon dioxide, meaning their production will not create, but remove carbon emissions.