A Green High: HEMP

Hemp, is a variety of cannabis that belongs to Sativa family, is grown for industrial purposes across the world. Although it is derived from the same plant species as the psychoactive drug marijuana, hemp has its own biochemical composition and uses. The most significant difference being the notably low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC- the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis responsible for intoxication), 0.3% or lesser in hemp as compared to 15 to 35% in marijuana. In July 2018, Uttarakhand became the first state to legalise industrial hemp cultivation.

Hemp has been used for centuries to make rope, canvas and paper. Long hemp fibres can be spun and woven to make crisp, linen-like fabric used in clothing, home furnishing textiles and floor coverings. In China, hemp is de-gummed for processing on flax or cotton machinery. Blending with cotton, linen, silk and wool gives hemp a softer feel, while adding resistance and durability to the product. In Europe, hemp fibres are used mainly in the special paper industry – thanks to lower lignin content, it can be pulped using fewer chemicals than wood. Hemp fibres are also used to reinforce moulded thermoplastics in the automobile industry. The short core fibres go into insulation products, fibre board and erosion control mats, while the fibrous core can be blended with lime to make strong, lightweight concrete.

Research estimates 25,000 documented uses of hemp. Hemp seeds have polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids that help heal dry skin and eczema. It is also an ideal plant based protein for vegetarians that aids in muscle building. In India, firms such as Bombay Hemp Company have been producing hemp yarn, textile garments and accessories as well as hemp seed oil and protein powder. They are also going to launch their range of Ayurvedic products soon. The potential of hemp is tremendous. India has a solid textile eco-system, compared to a lot of countries that have legalised hemp, such as Australia and Canada. Here, cotton grows at a massive scale, and even if a fraction of that is achieved with hemp, it can be find immense value in a fast emerging parallel market.

Hemp contains many classes of chemical constituents, with compounds constantly being discovered and reported. These include cannabinoids, nitrogenous compounds, amino acids, proteins, glycoproteins, enzymes, sugars, hydrocarbons, simple alcohols, simple aldehydes, simple ketones, simple acids, fatty acids, simple esters, lactones, steroids, terpenes, non-cannabinoid phenols, flavanoid glycosides, vitamins, and pigments. The total number of natural compounds identified in hemp is greater than 500. Complex macro-composition of hemp and numerous compounds within the plant have the potential to exhibit antibacterial activity.

Hemp seed oil can be used to produce non-toxic diesel fuel, paint, varnish, detergent, ink and lubricating oil. Because hemp seeds account for up to half the weight of a mature hemp plant, hemp seed is a viable source for these products.

As a fabric, hemp is one of the strongest known natural fibres with a tensile strength 5 times more than cotton.
It is a wild and feral crop that grows freely and requires 5,400 times less water than cotton.
The very first Levi’s jeans and the first American flag are said to made of hemp.
It is said that ropes used to pull pyramid blocks were made of hemp fibre.
Hemp fabric is hypoallergenic, microbe resistant, and grows softer with regular use and washing.
Hempcrete- hemp lime composite- is emerging as a green construction option.
Hemp seeds are rich in dietary fibre.