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Hemp Facts

Hemp Facts
Hemp is a flowering plant that belongs to the cannabis family. It originates from South Asia. Cultivation of hemp started 10.000 years ago. There are 46 varieties of hemp today that can be found around the world. Hemp grows in mild climate, on a well-drained sandy loam. Hemp is a close relative of marijuana, plant that is used as recreational drug. Unlike marijuana, hemp cannot be consumed as drug because it doesn't contain enough substance (called THC) required for the psychoactive effects. Hemp is one of the most widely used plants on the planet. According to some studies, there are more than 25.000 products that can be made out of the hemp. People cultivate hemp as a source of food, fuel, cloth, building materials, plastic, varnishes and paper.
Interesting Hemp Facts:
Hemp has slender stem that can reach height of 16 feet. Depending on the planting method, stem can be elongated and nearly without branches, or short with numerous branches.
Hemp has digitate (palm-like) leaves, composed of up to 13 (usually 7 to 9) leaflets. Leaves are green and serrated on the edges.
Hemp develops small yellow-green flowers that are designed for the pollination by wind.
Hemp is dioecious plant which means that separate plants produce male and female flowers. Male plants produce flowers arranged in loose panicles. Female plants produce flowers arranged in raceme inflorescence.
Fruit of hemp is single-seeded dry achene.
Hemp is planted from March to May in the northern hemisphere and from September to November in the southern hemisphere. Plant is ready for the harvest 3 to 4 months later.
Hemp is rich source of omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins C and vitamins of the B group and dietary fibers.
Seed and oil extracted from seed of hemp can be used in the human diet in the form of butter, beer, bread, cakes, breakfast cereals, protein bars...
Hemp is used in the manufacture of two, eco-friendly types of fuels: biodiesel and ethanol. Biodiesel releases nearly 50% less gases responsible for the pollution of the atmosphere compared to diesel.
Hemp is used in the cosmetic industry for the production of soaps, shampoos, lotions, skin care products and lip balms.
Hemp is used in the construction industry for the manufacture of cement blocks, mortar, insulation and concrete.
Hemp is used in the industry of paper. Cultivation of hemp requires less time, energy and money than cultivation of trees. Paper made of hemp lasts longer and it has better qualities than paper made of trees.
Hemp is used in the textile industry for the production of soft, linen-like material.
Hemp was basic source of fibers for the manufacture of ropes, ships' sails, clothes, and canvas until invention of the synthetic fiber (nylon) in the 1937.
Hemp is cultivated as an annual plant (life span: one year).


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