What Is Hemp? A Brief Introduction

Welcome to Hempies where we reckon hemp is pretty darn great! You've probably heard of hemp but you may not know too much about it. If this sounds like you, this post is your one-stop-shop explaining what the hell hemp is!

So, what is Hemp? First things first, let's clear the air about hemp. Hemp is a species of the Cannabis plant. That's right, the same family as marijuana, but with a crucial difference—it contains very low levels (around 0.3% or less) of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that gives you a high. Instead, hemp is packed with beneficial compounds like CBD (cannabidiol), nutritious seeds and has so many industrial uses it will make your head spin!

What's more, hemp is an OG when it comes to domesticated crops and has a genuinely impressive history dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, and Vikings all cultivated hemp for various purposes, from textiles, paper and rope to medicinal remedies.

Unfortunately, hemp's reputation took a huge blow in the early to mid 20th century due to its association with marijuana and is still recovering. However, like a green, leafy phoenix rising from the ashes, hemp is making a comeback as a sustainable and eco-friendly crop once more.

Ok so it's a plant, but why should we give a shit about hemp? Great question! Below are a few bite-size nuggets about why hemp is the bee's knees.

1. Sustainable Fashion Options: As humans of Earth, we love our fashion, but we also (should) care about the planet. Hemp textiles are a game-changer in the fashion industry. They're durable, breathable, UV resistant and biodegradable, making them a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrics like cotton and polyester. Plus, it's naturally antibacterial and gentle on skin.
   
   
2. Eco-Friendly Movement: Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it is a must-have, and hemp aligns perfectly with our eco-friendly goals. Hemp cultivation requires minimal water and pesticides, making it a greener choice for the planet, while also growing to maturity much faster than alternative crops. Plus, hemp plants actually improve soil health, making them a win-win for farmers and the environment.
   
   
3. Plant-Based Nutrition: We need to look after ourselves as well as the planet and hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They're rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. That's right, you can even eat the stuff!
   
   
4. Renewable Resources: In a world of climate change and resource depletion, hemp offers another option as a renewable resource. From biofuels to bioplastics, hemp can replace fossil fuels and reduce our reliance on non-renewable materials. More and more forward-thinkers are embracing hemp as a sustainable solution for the future.
   
   
5. Building Materials: Hemp can even be processed into building materials such as hempcrete (a mixture of hemp hurds, lime, and water), insulation, and bioplastics. Hempcrete is lightweight, fire-resistant, and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional building materials.

So there you have it, a crash course on why you should tell your neighbour all about hemp. With as many environmental benefits as it has uses, embracing hemp can help drive the positive change we need to see on this beautiful spinning globe we call Earth. Start embracing hemp today and make a difference for tomorrow!