What Is Hemp? Its Uses, Benefits, and History Explained

Hemp has been called everything from a miracle crop to the misunderstood cousin of marijuana. So, what’s the real story?

Put simply, hemp is cannabis. It has one crucial difference from marijuana: It contains less THC.

This unique characteristic leads to questions about its legality, its uses, and how it fits into a modern, wellness-focused lifestyle.

In this article, we will explore:

• What Is Hemp?
• The Legal Status of Hemp
• A Brief History of Hemp
• Uses of Hemp Today

…and more! Let’s get clear answers about this sustainable plant.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a specific variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that has been cultivated for thousands of years for its strong fibers and nutritious seeds. The cannabis genus is diverse, and while hemp and marijuana are often differentiated from each other, it’s crucial to know that they both come from the same plant species.

The only difference? Their THC content.

The legal and defining characteristic of hemp boils down to one compound: Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). By United States law, a cannabis plant is classified as hemp if it contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight. If it has more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it’s officially marijuana.

So, while marijuana and hemp are the same plant, the law draws a very clear line between them.

Hemp Versus Marijuana: Clearing the Confusion

You might be wondering, “If hemp has such low THC, how can hemp-derived gummies and drinks get you high?”

In the U.S., the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp didn’t just open the door for practical uses and CBD, it also paved the way for hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products. While the plant itself must stay under the 0.3% THC limit, that measurement is based on dry weight.

Processors can extract and concentrate the legal amount of THC from large quantities of hemp into a single, potent product like a THC gummy or THC drink. So, yes, a product made from legal hemp can absolutely contain enough THC to have euphoric effects.

The Legal Status of Hemp

U.S. Hemp Legalization

The 2018 Farm Bill that federally legalized hemp also inadvertently legalized hemp-derived THC products on a national scale.

By defining hemp as any Cannabis sativa plant with 0.3% or less delta-9 THC by dry weight, the bill didn’t just allow for the cultivation of industrial hemp – it made any product derived from such a plant legal. This loophole is how we see hemp-derived THC products sold legally online and in stores nationwide.

While hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, some states have enacted potency limitations, like Louisiana, which only allows products up to 5 mg THC per container.

International Perspectives

Globally, the approach to hemp is varied. In Europe, hemp cultivation is legal in many European Union member states, with the same THC limit of 0.3%. Canada presents a unique case, having fully legalized all cannabis, both hemp and marijuana, under one regulatory system, so there is no separate “hemp-derived” product category.

In contrast, many Asian countries maintain some of the world’s most prohibitive laws. China is a historic grower and a major producer of hemp fibers and textiles, exporting to countries like Japan and South Korea. But, most Asian countries have very tight restrictions on THC,   allowing only CBD products with zero THC and requiring special import licenses.

A Brief History of Hemp

Ancient Origins

Long before it became a topic of modern debate, hemp was a cornerstone of ancient civilizations. Its story began more than 10,000 years ago, with evidence of its cultivation in ancient China and Mesopotamia.

The Chinese were among the first to recognize its incredible versatility, using the strong stalks for cordage and cloth and consuming the nutritious seeds for food. But their innovation didn’t stop there, as ancient texts also describe using hemp flowers and leaves for medicinal purposes, making it one of the earliest documented herbal remedies.

This plant was so vital that it traveled along trade routes, providing fiber for ropes and sails in the ancient world.

Hemp in American History

Hemp’s journey to the New World was practically written into the founding documents of America. The Virginia Colony passed laws in the 1600s requiring farmers to grow it, and the founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, cultivated hemp on their plantations.

This reliance became a matter of national security during World War II. After overseas supplies of jute were cut off, the U.S. government launched the “Hemp for Victory” campaign in 1942, encouraging farmers to grow hemp for the war effort. It was used for everything from parachute webbing to marine cordage.

This push was a final, powerful chapter before a decades-long ban would put this historic crop on hold, temporarily erasing its deep-rooted legacy from the American landscape.

Environmental Benefits of Hemp

A Sustainable Crop

Hemp is well-known in the cultivation world for its high sustainability. This crop grows with great efficiency, outperforming many traditional agricultural systems.

It has a fast growth cycle, often reaching maturity in just 90 to 120 days, and produces a high yield per acre. Hemp is also a naturally hardy plant, requiring significantly less water than thirsty crops like cotton, and it needs little to no pesticide treatment because its dense growth naturally chokes out weeds.

Its benefits go even deeper since hemp has a unique ability to perform phytoremediation, a process through which the plant draws toxins and heavy metals from the soil, leaving the land cleaner than it found it. Furthermore, its deep root system prevents erosion and helps to rebuild the soil, making it an excellent choice for crop rotation.

Role in the Green Economy

Hemp isn’t just a sustainable crop. It’s also a pillar of the green economy because it offers a direct, plant-based replacement for some of our most polluting materials.

We can substitute petroleum plastics with hemp-based materials, use durable hempcrete instead of concrete in construction, and choose soft hemp fabric over resource-intensive cotton. By creating viable markets for these hemp products, the incentive to adopt more regenerative agricultural practices grows as well.

This shift is gaining momentum globally. The international hemp market is experiencing great growth, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly products and the push for carbon-neutral solutions.

From hemp-based car interiors to well-known clothing lines, hemp is steadily moving from a niche alternative to a mainstream material, proving that what’s good for the planet can also be good for business.

Uses of Hemp Today

Industrial Applications

Today, hemp is experiencing a renaissance as a sustainable material in the industrial sector.

Its sturdy stalks are processed into durable and breathable textiles for clothing and home goods. The long bast fibers are ideal for producing high-quality, tree-free paper. At the same time, the coarse inner hurd can be combined with lime to create hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that is lightweight, insulating, and mold-resistant.

Furthermore, hemp bioplastics offer a promising, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and taking advantage of the plant’s sustainability.

Nutritional and Health Uses

Hemp seeds are also sought after. The small seeds are nutritious, containing protein that includes all nine essential amino acids. It’s also a source of essential fatty acids, providing Omega-3 and Omega-6 in the perfect 3:1 ratio optimal for human health.

Beyond the seeds themselves, you can also find hemp seed oil and hemp protein powder, making it easy to add a plant-based boost to smoothies, salads, and baked goods.

It’s essential to note that while hemp seed oil may be beneficial as a dietary supplement, it does not contain CBD or other cannabinoids.

Hemp-Derived THC Products

Consumable hemp products are the biggest application of the hemp crop as the fastest-growing sector within the hemp industry. Globally, the consumable hemp market was valued at $8.28 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $46.25 billion by 2034.

The market includes CBD products and hemp-derived THC products like THC drinks, gummies, cereal bars, and more. Check out some popular hemp-derived cannabis products below.

• Canna Moons 25 mg THC Gummies are perfect if you’re looking for an euphoric, recreational experience filled with creativity and laughter.
• Any flavor from our Crescent 9 Seltzer Variety Pack is a great choice for a social buzz and a refreshing way to enjoy hemp-derived THC.
• Zexi THC Water is great for active adults who want a zero-calorie beverage with relaxing and uplifting properties.
• An excellent alcohol replacement, Ellora THC-Infused Spirit Alternative can be mixed into mocktails for an elevated drinking experience.

This is where the modern hemp market truly shines, offering an array of products for relaxation, enjoyment, and self-care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hemp get you high?

Yes. Hemp-derived THC products, like Canna Moons 12 mg THC Gummies, can produce a high. These products have euphoric and intoxicating effects while being federally legal.

What products can be made from hemp that people may not know about?

Hemp is used to create a concrete-like building material called hempcrete, which is carbon-negative and mold-resistant. You can also find hemp in biodegradable plastics, sustainable car panels, eco-friendly paint, and as a base for animal bedding due to its high absorbency and sustainability.

Is hemp the same as CBD?

No, hemp is not the same as CBD. Hemp is the entire plant. CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of more than a hundred beneficial compounds, called cannabinoids, that can be extracted from the hemp plant.

How does hemp compare to cotton as a textile crop?

Hemp is a sustainability champion compared to cotton. It requires about 50% less water to grow and yields 200-250% more fiber from the same amount of land. Hemp fabric is also more durable, absorbent, and breathable than cotton. And unlike cotton, which heavily relies on pesticides, hemp grows densely and naturally resists pests.

Can farmers make money growing hemp today?

Yes, farmers can make money growing hemp, although it is a complex market. The profit potential of the plant is significant, especially for fiber and grain, which have a stable demand. However, it’s a volatile industry with regulatory obstacles that requires expertise based on local laws.

Key Takeaways

• Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of Cannabis sativa. The only legal difference is that hemp contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
• The raw hemp plant is not intoxicating, but concentrated, hemp-derived THC products like edibles and drinks can be.
• Hemp is one of humanity’s oldest cultivated crops, used for millennia for fiber, food, and medicine. It even played a crucial role in early American history.
• Today, hemp is used in everything from sustainable textiles, construction materials, and bioplastics to nutritious foods and a wide range of wellness products.
• It’s a fast-growing, water-efficient crop that enriches the soil, requires few pesticides, and provides sustainable alternatives to many polluting materials.
• The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in the U.S., but varying state laws and international regulations create a disparate legal landscape.