What is HEMP?
A variety of Cannabis sativa L, hemp is a dioecious plant, which means it can be separated into male and female plants. Hemp/cannabis can be divided into three subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis Indica & Cannabis Ruderalis. These plants have served a wide variety of purposes for more than 10,000 years.
Cannabis Sativa & Cannabis Indica are both photoperiodic subspecies of hemp/cannabis, which means, that their life cycle can be divided into two parts: growth and flowering. Because of this, they can grow taller (up to 6 Meters) than cannabis Ruberalis
On the other hand, Cannabis ruderalis lifecycle cannot be divided into growth and flowering, as it starts its combined growth/flowering process as soon as seeds germinate. As a consequence, the plant is much smaller. The whole cannabis plant, from roots to seeds can be used to make 50,000+ products. From hempcrete to dietary supplements, biofuel to bio-plastics, and clothing to furniture. From preventing to fully curing deadly diseases. This plant has got everything that is needed to end major problems of the world and also has many smart solutions for our future.
Origin & History of Hemp/Cannabis
Taking historical records into consideration, it is believed that Cannabis originated from Asia, more accurately, from the Himalayas. China has the longest continuous history of Hemp cultivation (over 6000 years). France has cultivated Hemp for at least 700 years to the present day, and Spain and Chile have likewise. Russia was a major grower/ supplier for hundreds of years.
Hemp is believed to be the earliest plant cultivated for textile fiber. Archaeologists found a remnant of hemp cloth in ancient Mesopotamia (currently Iran and Iraq) which dates back to 8,000 BC. Hemp is also considered to be the oldest example of human industry, footwear, ropes, initial paper forms, and a food source.
The Chinese were the first to recognize the application of hemp in papermaking. In approximately 150 BC, they produced the world’s first paper from mulberry bark, hemp, and rags mixed with water. The oldest documents written on paper are Buddhist texts from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, composed of a mixture of bark and old rags, including hemp. Apart from having multiple industrial applications, Hemp has been used as medicine for centuries throughout the world. The Atharva Veda (The Atharvaveda is the oldest literary monument of Indian medicine. It is believed to be the origin of Ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine), mentions cannabis as one of the five most sacred plants on Earth.
The five plants are more clearly mentioned in Book 11, Hymn 8 (or 6), Verse 15: पञ्च राज्यानि वीरुधां सोमश्रेष्ठानि ब्रूमः। दर्भो भङ्गो यवः सह ते नो मुञ्चन्त्व् अंहसः॥ Translation: “To the five kingdoms of the plants which Soma rules as Lord we speak. Darbha, hemp, barley, mighty power: may these deliver us from woe.” The word ‘भङ्ग’ (bhang) here refers to the cannabis plant. It also refers to cannabis as a “source of happiness,” a “joy-giver” and a “liberator”.
The Ellora caves built between the 6th and 12th centuries A.D contain a group of 34 temples carved out of stone, dedicated to the three main religions of India - Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Researchers found isolated specimens of cannabis(popularly known as ganja or bhang in India) from the clay plaster (clay and lime mixture) found in temples of Ellora caves. Cannabis was used as an insulating agent and to provide added strength to the plaster.
The British found the use of cannabis so extensive in colonial India that they commissioned a systematic and thorough large-scale study in the late 1890s.
More than 1,000 interviews were conducted throughout India by leading British and Indian medical experts. It examined and recorded a diverse group of people ranging from "doctors, coolies, yogis, fakirs, heads of lunatic asylums, bhang peasants, tax-gatherers, smugglers, army officers, hemp dealers, ganja palace operators, and the clergy."
The Commission concluded that "suppressing the use of herbal cannabis (bhang) would be unjustifiable. They concluded that its use is very ancient, has some religious sanction among Hindus, and is harmless in moderation. The report also concluded that more harm was done by alcohol." now let's start with The Many Uses of Hemp: A Green Marvel
How is Hemp Processed?
Hemp processing can be done in many different ways and techniques, the processing method usually depends on the purpose of the final product
Hemp seeds
Seeds can be consumed whole, or refined by being pressed or crushed to produce hemp seed oil and flour. These seeds are also hulled, or shelled, to make them more palatable. The remaining shells, which are rich in fiber, can also be used for making flour.
Hemp stalks
Hemp stalks are processed through decorticating(removal of the outer coat of any agricultural materials), a multistep method for removing the long fibers from the rest of the plant. This usually involves field retting (a process in which the plants are cut and laid out in the field for four to six weeks). During this time, any bacteria on the plant's surface will break down the outer layer of the stalk. The retted stalks are then dried later to be processed as per the requirement.
Water retting is another option. The stalks are immediately dried after harvesting and then placed in water for a few days. The water softens the outer layer of the stalks and promotes the growth of additional bacteria, accelerating the process.
Finally, chemical retting uses acids, bases, and special enzymes to break down the compounds that hold together the strong bast fibers.
Hemp vs Cannabis
Although hemp and cannabis are referred to as the same species, Cannabis is referred to as the whole family of the plant(which includes Indica, Sativa & Ruderalis), whereas, Hemp(Cannabis Sativa L.) is one of the species from diverse varieties of the Cannabis plant. The term “Hemp” is used to mean cannabis that contains 0.3 percent or less THC content by dry weight.
How is Hemp cultivated differently than Cannabis/Ganja?
One of the key differences between hemp and marijuana has to do with cultivation and harvesting.
The male hemp plants discharge pollen which female plants use to produce seeds that are either planted for future crops or sold as food.
Hemp plants that are grown for oil are planted at roughly 40 to 60 plants per 4 square feet, and if grown for fiber, are even more densely planted at a rate of about 100 to 120 plants per 4 square feet.
Hemp plants are always cultivated outdoors
On the contrary,
In Cannabis fields any males found are removed, most cannabis fields include sporadically (occasionally or at irregular intervals) placed males to ensure the maximum production of sinsemilla (seedless) flowers.
Cannabis cultivation requires ample spacing to reduce the risk of mold or bacteria. Most marijuana crops are planted with one plant per 4 square feet.
Often planted in greenhouses or indoor grow operations.
Male hemp plants flower far faster than female hemp plants, but they yield far less fiber. Hemp has a longer life cycle (from 100 to up to 150 days) than cannabis's 90-day life cycle (depending on the variety). As hemp is susceptible to the same predators, diseases, and insects that attack marijuana. To avoid any buildup of these organisms and to allow nutrients to return to the soil, many cultivators employ a technique called crop rotation(planting different crops sequentially on the same plot). The appropriate order of crop rotation and types of crops being rotated with hemp always depends on the location of the plot/farm.
Cannabinoids
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. More than 480 different compounds were discovered and present in the plant, only around 66 are identified cannabinoids.
The most well-known among these compounds is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another essential component, it comprises 40% of the plant resin extract.
Classes of cannabinoids
The cannabinoids are separated into the following subclasses:
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
Other cannabinoids including cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabitriol (CBT)
Cannabinoids can be further classified into three groups:
Endocannabinoids – Endogenous Cannabinoids that are produced in our bodies
Phytocannabinoids – Plant-based cannabinoids that are found in hemp, cannabis, and some other plants
Synthetic cannabinoids – cannabinoids produced in laboratories
The discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in 1992 was a defining moment in our understanding of cannabinoids. Dr. Lumir Hanus and Dr. William Devane, an American researcher, discovered the endocannabinoid anandamide.
The ECS is responsible for a variety of functions, but its primary goal is to maintain a stable environment and achieve homeostasis within the body. When the body detects an imbalance, it produces endocannabinoids, which interact with cannabinoid receptors. This triggers a chemical response that attempts to restore balance to the physiological process.
Fun Fact: "Anandamide" gets its name from the Sanskrit words "Ananda", which means "joy, bliss, delight", and amide.
Does hemp also have THC?
Hemp produces a wide range of cannabinoids, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although hemp does not produce enough THC to get you high, it is capable of producing high levels of non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). CBD extracted from hemp has quickly become one of the most popular cannabinoid products on the market. The quantity of THC produced by the plant distinguishes hemp from cannabis in many countries.
Industrial hemp is defined in the United States as Cannabis sativa L. that contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
The European Union has set the limit at 0.2%, while in the UK the limit is zero unless growers have a cultivation license to grow industrial hemp with no more than 0.2% THC.
Most hemp strains don’t exceed 0.3% THC (which is the legal limit in most countries), while cannabis strains can have up to 30% of THC.
Can you smoke hemp?
The short answer is yes, if the goal isn't to get an elevating high, smoking "Organic Hemp"/"Bhang" can be an enjoyable and efficient way to experience other cannabinoids like CBD.
Although the plant does not create enough THC to cause a euphoric high, it does produce enough CBD to have modest psychoactive effects. While CBD is technically psychoactive, it is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that does not produce a euphoric high on its own.
Your bloodstream absorbs CBD considerably faster when you inhale it than when you eat an edible or take a tincture under your tongue.
When a CBD edible is eaten, it passes through the digestive system, losing part of its efficacy in the process.
The Many Uses of Hemp: A Green Marvel
Let's start with
Hemp as Medicine
As we mentioned earlier, hemp/cannabis has a long history(almost 5000 years) of being used for its medicinal properties. The Many Uses of Hemp: A Green Marvel Ayurveda is the “science of life.” A sister science to Yoga, Ayurveda emerged from the sacred texts of ancient India, known as the Vedas, or “Books of Wisdom.” These date back at least five thousand years and are widely regarded as humanity’s oldest literature. Bhang(Vijaya, Cannabis, Ganja), according to Ayurveda, has the following qualities:
Tiktha –it’s bitter in taste
Grahini –it’s absorbent and useful in treating diarrhea and IBS
Laghu – it’s light to digest
Theekshna – it’s strong in potency
Ushna – it’s hot in nature and potency
Moha – it relieves delusions
Manda Vak vardini – taken in low doses, it increases the urge to speak
Vahni vardini – it improves digestive strength
Karshani – it causes weight loss and is useful in treating obesity
Deepani – it improves digestive strength
Ruchya – it improves taste and is useful in treating anorexia
Madakrit – it causes intoxication
Cannabis was used as an anesthetic (the Chinese name for anesthesia is mázui (麻醉), which means hemp/cannabis poisoning) for the removal of blood clots, tapeworm, hemorrhoids, eyeball pain, headaches, digestive difficulties, afterbirth pain, and other conditions.
Throughout history, knowledge about cannabis and hemp was constantly enhanced. With hemp and/or cannabis we can prevent the onset, relieve symptoms and even eliminate numerous problems:
Acne
ADD and ADHD
Addiction
AIDS
ALS
Alzheimer’s
Anorexia
Antibiotic Resistance
Anxiety
Atherosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Bipolar
Cancer
Digestive Issues
Depression
Diabetes
Endocrine Disorders
Epilepsy and Seizures
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
Heart Disease
Huntington’s Disease
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Disorders
Motion Sickness
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Nausea
Neurodegeneration
Chronic Pain
Obesity
OCD
Osteoporosis/Bone Health
Parkinson’s Disease
Prion/Mad Cow disease
PTSD
Rheumatism
Schizophrenia
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin Conditions
Sleep Disorders
Spinal Cord Injury
Stress
Stroke
TBI
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
etc.
The isolation of individual cannabinoids and the subsequent discovery of the endocannabinoid system led to a renewed interest in cannabis. (its discovery is considered to be the second most important discovery in the history of medicine, immediately after the use of the sterile technique). Today’s technology had improved to a degree where we can selectively isolate individual cannabinoids allowing us to easily “investigate” their impact on the different organisms.
Takeaway:
If you are looking out to treating the majority of your health problems with Cannabis/Hemp, it is recommended to use the whole (full) spectrum of cannabinoids as they work best in synergy (Entourage Effect).
Although many beneficial effects of cannabis have already been proven and people have known them for millennia, there are still prejudices about the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
One of the main reasons contributing to this factor is the long-lasting abuse of cannabis, so when people hear the word cannabis, they directly associate it with only being high.
Secondly, (in our opinion), the big pharma lobby is afraid of losing its billion-dollar monopoly to a naturally available alternative (at least in most countries).
Hemp/Cannabis is a food source
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are rich in nutrients and contain an ideal ratio of omega 3 & omega 6 essential fatty acids, along with proteins, soluble & insoluble fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
Hemp seed oil
It is produced by Cold pressing / Hot Pressing of hemp seeds, which contain an ideal ratio (for humans) of omega 3 & omega 6 essential fatty acids. They are also rich in proteins, soluble & insoluble fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil:
Reduces inflammation,
Improves heart health,
Reduces PMS symptoms,
Relieves menstrual cramps,
Improves digestion,
Prevents the formation of varicose veins,
Eases diabetes symptoms,
Improves brain health,
Improves immune system functionality,
Treats numerous skin-related problems,
Improves hair and scalp health,
Etc.
Hemp Flour & Hemp Proteins
Wholegrain hemp flour and hemp protein powder are both made from Hemp Seed Cake - a byproduct of cold/hot pressing the hemp seeds for making oil. It is packed with protein, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
Hemp Flour is obtained with further processing (sifting/sieving) of hemp seed cake.
Hemp flour can be finely sieved/sifted, so the larger particles that contain fibers are separated. This leaves us a finely sieved hemp flour that is rich in protein – hemp protein powder.
Hemp/Cannabis in Cosmetics
The hemp seed oil has numerous benefits as it can moisturize without clogging your pores which makes it suitable for most skin types. It can help you balance out oily skin, hydrate it (dryness can also cause your skin to overproduce oil), and regulate the skin's oil production (if not regulated can stimulate acne).
It can be applied directly (skincare, haircare, and nail care) or it can be added to various products like:
Balms
Shampoos
Balsams
Creams
Lipsticks
Soaps
Deodorants
Etc.
The Endocannabinoid System has cannabinoid receptors that are spread throughout the whole body, including the skin. When cannabinoids are absorbed, receptors then transmit information to the ECS, which can help ease or even eliminate:
Acne
Psoriasis
Inflammation
Pain
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Pimples
Etc.
Our skin's endocannabinoid system
It is an endocannabinoid-based biological system. Nonspecific lipid-binding carriers bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins in the central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. The endocannabinoid system regulates a variety of physiological and non-physiological processes, including fertility, pregnancy, appetite, pain perception, mood, and memory. The effect on the endocannabinoid system would help to improve skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin fibrosis, skin cancer, and itching.
Hemp, Textile & fibers
Hemp fibers might not be the softest ones available, but we can surely agree that it is one of the strongest fibers which is resistant to mold, salt, and UV light. These properties further led to the production of ropes & sailboats, in addition to clothing.
Because of hemp fiber's strength, the Chinese developed special techniques and started making hemp paper which is more durable than plain paper. Hemp paper can be recycled up to ten times, whereas tree paper can only be recycled three times. Hemp paper is resistant to decomposition, does not yellow, and lasts hundreds of years longer than wood paper, which decomposes and yellows over time.
FUN FACT: Famous painters, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, also used canvas made from Cannabis/Hemp fibers (the word 'CANVAS' has been derived from the word Cannabis).
As we mentioned earlier, it is said that hemp was the first intentionally grown crop for textile production. Before Levi's first invented the 501s, their iconic jeans were crafted from hemp. And, considering the fabric's amazing durability, it proved a natural first choice for Strauss when he began making pants as well.
Interesting fact – Hemp can produce up to 250% more fiber on the same area than cotton and up to 600% more than flax.
Hemp fiber gets slightly softened with each washing, however, the majority of manufacturers decide to combine both hemp fiber and e.g. cotton. In addition to durability and resistance, hemp fibers and cultivation to acquire them has numerous benefits and positive effects on the environment:
Organic production
Hemp does not require any pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers for growth.
In addition, it cleans, diminishes, and maintains soil moisture, which is a great requirement for cultivation, not only hemp but also other crops.
It is considered to be an excellent renewable resource, as the life cycle of cannabis lasts only a few months.
Hemp fibers are hypoallergenic – they do not cause allergies and irritated skin (except for a few individuals). It is also mentioned that hemp fibers could “kill” some bacteria (including Staphylococcus bacteria) when they come in contact with each other.
Breathableness and protection
An excellent choice during the summer, as hemp fiber breathes, absorbs moisture, and protects us from UV rays.
Hemp in the Construction Industry
Hemp has tens of thousands of uses and applications in various fields, many of which are in the construction industry also. Bricks, blocks, concrete, and insulation (hemp wool) are some of the few applications of hemp. Hempcrete, also known as Hemp-lime, is a biocomposite material made out of hemp hurds, lime, sand, or pozzolans that are used in building and insulation. Hempcrete, Canobiote, Canosmose, Isochanvre, and IsoHemp are some of the brand names for it.
Besides durability, hemp fibers are known to be:
Natural Insecticides and Pesticides
Retain heat
Non-toxic
Fire-resistant
Waterproof
Regulates moisture
Sequester carbon dioxide
Insulating properties
Absorb 90 % of the natural noise
A tonne of produced cement (heated to 1400–1450 °C) emits 850kg of CO2 into the sky! This is a result of the chemical process, and it cannot be minimized through energy conservation. When lime is used instead of cement, it saves around 80% of the CO2 that would otherwise be released. Between 5,000 and 10,000 lbs of CO2 emissions will be saved by a single residence.
Is hemp cultivation legal in India?
Hemp cultivation is legal in India, but it is regulated and permitted in certain states. The Uttarakhand government was the first in India to grant a hemp cultivation license.
Other states that have legalized hemp cultivation include Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. However, it is important to note that hemp cultivation is only legal if the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content is less than 0.3%.
Here are some key points regarding the legal status of hemp cultivation in India:
Uttarakhand is currently the largest hemp-producing state in India and has developed a policy allowing industrial or horticulture cultivation of the hemp plant.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized hemp seed and hemp seed products as food, as long as they have less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp seeds and fibers are not covered under the definition of cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which allows for the manufacturing and distribution of hemp products.
While hemp cultivation is legal in certain states, there are still legal challenges and restrictions in other states.
The hemp industry in India has market opportunities and potential for growth, but there are also challenges, such as restrictions on marketing and advertising.
It is worth noting that the hemp industry in India is still developing, and regulations may vary across states. It is important for individuals and businesses interested in hemp cultivation to comply with the specific regulations and licensing requirements in their respective states.
Since 1985 NDPS act. It is illegal to cultivate, use and sell. It is illegal to process the resin or flower, but the use of cannabis leaves, seeds, and stalk is legal for industrial & medical purposes. The central government has given state governments the authority to make their state cannabis laws, allowing many states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, etc have legal Bhang/Ganja shops in India. Assuming, by hemp you mean the industrial crop and not the recreational one
The industrial crop is known as cannabis Sativa ( containing THC less than 0.3%).
The recreational crop is known as cannabis Indica (containing THC more than 0.3%)
Before 1985, it was completely legal in India to cultivate, sell and consume cannabis & hemp in various forms. It was not only used for religious activities but it was legal as a whole. India used to be the largest producer of textiles and fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, hemp, flax, etc. During the time of the 1st world War, India was the largest manufacturing hub and labor hub for the British Army. Vijaya(Cannabis) was so deep-rooted in our day-to-day lives back then, that the British had to make a 3200 pages report - The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report, completed in 1894 - to fully understand the importance of the cannabis plant in Indian Society. Cannabis hemp and its industrial applications are not new to Indians. The current scenario in India is that the state government of Uttarakhand is allowing its citizens to harvest wild hemp plants and sell the fibers through government channels (the process may appear straightforward, but it isn't).
July 2018 The IIHA has been granted the first-ever permission to cultivate hemp (Cannabis Sativa. L) by the Uttarakhand state government (Indian Industrial Hemp Association). On a pilot basis, the license is valid for 5 years
2020, Because of their use in treating a variety of medical illnesses, the WHO proposed to the UN that cannabis and cannabinoids be rescheduled (from Schedule I to Schedule IV). In the future years, it is advised that all 52 or 53 countries reschedule cannabis and enact new cannabis-related legislation. 2020, The state government of MP has declared that a pilot license for cannabis growing will be issued in 2020. The state government plans to establish a policy on cannabis cultivation for therapeutic and industrial purposes. Hopefully, as a result of these preliminary efforts, other states will conceive and adopt their own cannabis regulations in response to the NDPS Act. CosmeticsThe Cosmetics and Drugs Act, and the Excise Act.
Now in India, cannabis medicine is legally available under the AYUSH ministry and is allowed to be sold as an Ayurvedic medicine but not as allopathy or generic medicine. Indian government should not be promoting cannabis as an Ayurvedic product with the loophole available in the NDPS act. Instead, legalizing cannabis medicine and working on reintegrating cannabis & cannabinoids into pharmacopeia would be a good step in the near future.
Here are some sources: