The Story of Hemp

2010.04.27

Hemp has been around and used by different civilizations since the Stone Age. It’s a documented fact that in Taiwan and China, some pottery shards were found that were made over 10,000 years ago. It is found all over the world and is known for its versatility and ability to grow under extreme conditions, needing no pesticides or supplements.

The scientific name for hemp is Cannabis Sativa, which in Latin actually means “ useful hemp “ and was introduced to the western hemisphere by the Spaniards in 1545, who cultivated it first in Chile. The benefits and commercial applications for its byproduct made it high in demand and lucrative as a crop. So much so that in 1619 an Act was passed in Virginia making it law that, some plantations had to grow a percentage of “Indian and English” hemp.

Today there are three types of the Cannabis Sativa plants being cultivated. Industrial hemp, which is mainly grown for its fiber content, a hemp plant that yields an abundance of seeds which are used for their extracted oils that have many commercial uses, and varieties grown for its medicinal, spiritual and recreational purposes. Unfortunately, it’s this third strain that has given hemp a bad name and has made it a widely understood and underutilized plant.

 This variety contains a high concentration of a psychoactive substance in its leaves and flowers called THC (TetraHydroCannabinol). Aside from its beneficial aspects it is used as a recreational drug called Marijuana and this byproduct is illegal in most countries unless prescribed for various medical conditions. There are millions of people worldwide that still smoke weed and many believe it should be legalized for personal use.
Industrial hemp contains only trace amounts of THC and is used for many different types of commercial products.

Many countries have used it to make a variety of items like rope, clothes, medicines, foods and canvas fabrics to name but a few. The fabrics made from the hemp plant are stronger, last longer and are far more durable than many other materials. In addition, before petroleum became our primary fuel source, filtered hemp oil was used as a biodiesal and alcohol fuel that could power diesel engines as well as heat and light up your home.
Generally the distinction between hemp and cannabis is although they come from same plant cannabis has the higher concentration of THC. Some of the medical benefits of cannabis are widely accepted throughout the entire medical field and can help alleviate or even prevent some medical conditions. For instance, pot is used to treat such diseases as lung, brain and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, bipolar disorders and Lou Gehrig’s disease. These are only a few of its medicinal benefits.
 
Industrial hemp is grown in every industrialized country in the world except the United States because of its relation to the drug marijuana. Though some states do grow it they are bound by strict regulations and laws that are enforced by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). Hopefully in the future this amazing plant will be used to its full potential.