Uses of Hemp
Hemp is the variety of the cannabis sativa plant that is low in THC, the chemical that is psychoactive. The uses of hemp are counted in thousands of ways these days. To explain how this is possible we must start by explaining the two main qualities of hemp.
Hemp seed
The hemp seed is not actually a seed but a fruit. Hemp seeds are extremely nutritious
for humans as well as animals. Hemp seeds are made up from 25% protein,
30% carbohydrates and 15% insoluble fiber. The hemp seed contains
calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and is our best
vegetable source of the essential fatty acids, containing Omega 3
linoleic acid (55%) and Omega 6 linolenic acid (25%) in a near perfect
ratio, and even containing the rare nutrient gama linolenic acid.
Essential fatty acids are necessary for maintaining healthy life and are found in few food sources such as fatty fish and flax oil. Hemp seeds are used whole or crushed to make cookies, burgers, porridge, cakes, casseroles or even roasted and eaten whole (sometimes with garlic or tahini seasoning). A good example of the hemp seeds use is hemp protein powder. The hemp seed is used for hemp seed oil for nutrition, soaps, cosmetics, paints, varnishes, etc. Learn more about hemp seeds on our hemp seed page . Lets continue with the uses of hemp!
Hemp seed oil
The principal product made from hemp seeds today is undoubtedly the
oil. Hemp oil has a high nutritional value because its 3:1 ratio of
omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance
required by the human body. More on hemp oil on our hemp oil page
Hemp fiber
Natural fiber from the stalks is extremely durable. It can be used for
all kinds of wonderful things. Textiles, clothing, canvas, rope,
cordage, for archival grade paper, & composite fibers replacing
heavier toxic fibers and building materials made with recycled plastic
and fiber. This means there is reason to believe that you might in the
future see a house that is completely constructed with hemp! Learn more
about hemp fiber on the hemp fiber page and also see how hempcrete is used in building a house and you can get an e-book on ‘How to build a hemp house’ by Paul Benhaim
Hemp hurds
Hurds serve as amazing source for renewable materials. The bulk of the
woody stalks can be used for paper, animal bedding, oil absorbent, soil
amendment, chemicals, plastics, & fuels (ethanol, methane, co-firing
with coal, etc.) These fuels burn cleaner and are more efficient that
other fuels not made with hemp.