When I think of hemp, I usually think of hemp fiber and hemp seed oil. Others may think otherwise. But it’s about time we all became more aware of the benefits of hemp.

The first benefit is that hemp fibers make great textile.  And it can be beneficial as outdoor clothing since it’s resistant to mold and ultraviolet light. How about hemp patio umbrellas? Those would be neat to see.

And the oil is beneficial in skincare and soapmaking too.  Hempseed Oil is excellent for providing essential fatty acids to your skin. Although I have yet to experiment with them.

Hemp seed oil is also great addition to salads besides the classic olive oil. Hemp oil has some really good properties and is naturally rich in omega 3, 6 and 9. It also contains minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, high in vitamins A and E.

Other hemp products range from hemp paper, seeds, and powder. Now there is even hemp milk too. Hemp powder I think taste ok, reminded me of seaweed. But since I am a fan of soymilk, I think hemp milk would be interesting to try. As hemp milk is suppose to be easier to digest. A Manitoba company from Canada makes then in plain, chocolate, and vanilla.

Photo from Manitoba Harvest. Organic unsweetened hemp milk.

As for hemp farming, they are mostly grown in Europe, Canada and China. It would be great if more farms in the U.S. could grow them. Hemp farmers say the stuff they grow and the stuff people smoke are different.

While hemp and marijuana are of the same species cannabis sativa L. they are seperate varieties. Each has their own uses and can not be substituted for one another. Hemp does not produce a favorable amount of THC and marijuana is poor at producing quality fiber. The psychoactive ingredient that produces the “high” in marijuana is delta–9 tetrahydrocannibol or THC. For optimal results, marijuana users want a THC content of 6–20 percent. Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, usually less than three tenths percent (0.3%). By any account, there is not enough THC in industrial hemp to give a marijuana user their desired effect. Furthermore, hemp contains a high amound of CBD which actually blocks out THC uptake. Smokers of hemp will receive nothing more than a headache. - Eric Pollitt of Global Hemp.

Ken Junkert of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture said, “marijuana plants grow to 6 feet tall and are planted 4 feet apart, but hemp grows as high as 16 feet tall and is planted mere inches apart for maximum production. The plant is capable of growing in a variety of conditions and does not require herbicides or pesticides.”

This plant is great and it’s a sustainable crop.  Hemp farmers also say hemp grows extremely fast and can be grown in any climate. It can actually help clean up toxins from the ground too.

But there is some hope for hemp farmers. In 2006, North Dakota’s governor approved rules for growing industrial hemp. And the North Carolina legislation was passed to study industrial hemp. It would be great if more states realize the benefits of hemp farming and let farmers grow them.

The best way to reverse the government’s stance on the plant is through market demand.  Maybe they should replace school soda machines with hemp milk instead?  It’s much more nutritious too.  I will start my demand by trying hemp milk and begin to spread the news.

Hemp farming in China.  That is a huge plant.  Photo via flickr.