Cannabis Basics: What is Hemp?

What is hemp? It’s one of the by-products of the cannabis plant. Back in the days of pre-legalization, the benefits of hemp use were one of cannabis’ selling points for legalization. You can even get rolling papers made with hemp.

 

But just what can we do with hemp? And how do we turn it into products we can use? Today we’ll answer those questions, in our crash course on hemp.

 

What is Hemp?

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, hemp and cannabis flower are essentially the same exact plant. The difference comes down to the cannabinoids present. Specifically, we’re talking about THC.

 

Hemp is defined as dry cannabis that contains 0.3% THC or less, so you can’t get very high from it. It also comes exclusively from sativa plants.

 

The cultivation of hemp originated in Central Asia, with records of its cultivation in China going back as far as 2800 BCE. Just as many cannabis strains have been bred to increase and enhance their cannabinoids, hemp has been bred to decrease its psychoactive properties and increase its functional properties.

 

The legalization issues that have long followed cannabis have affected hemp as well. Hemp and hemp seeds have historically been illegal anywhere that cannabis was illegal. As a result, there are many who haven’t been able to experience the benefits of hemp-based products.

 

What Can Hemp Be Used For?

 

 

Through a process involving retting, drying, and crushing, hemp can be turned into fibres. It is in this form that hemp can be fashioned into a variety of different products.

 

For starters, it can be processed into a fabric used in clothing and household textiles, having a similar texture to cotton or canvas. This has commonly been done in the Middle East and Central Asia where it was first cultivated. There are also records of hemp being used in rope that date back to its first inception.

 

Secondly, hemp seeds can be eaten. Many consider them to be a superfood! They’re a great source of magnesium, B vitamins, protein, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and more. They’re believed to be able to reduce inflammation, help with skin conditions, and improve heart and brain health. Try them in a salad, or as a non-dairy milk substitute!

 

Hemp has countless other uses as well, including bioplastics, medications, beauty products, paper, organic compost, and as an alternative to both wood pulp and fibreglass. Hemp possesses boundless potential, and is just one of the many things that make the cannabis plant such a valuable resource.

 

Last but not least, hemp can be used to make rolling papers! Some papers, like OCB’s Organic Hemp Rolling Papers, are made with hemp. Their ultra-thin profile and slow burning rate allow for a great smoke every time. If you wanna smoke some weed with your weed, these papers are a definite winner.

 

Wanna Learn More?

 

If you’d like to experience the benefits of cannabis today, stop by the Chronic Haze online store! We’ve got an amazing lineup of cannabis products, as well as same-day delivery and curbside pickup in select Ontario cities.

 

Not within our main delivery zones? We do nationwide delivery all across Canada! If you’re looking to buy cannabis online, make an account with us and experience the difference today!

 

Also, check out this blog post if you’re interested in learning more about the world of terpenes!

 

References

 

https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/hemp-fabric

https://www.britannica.com/plant/hemp

https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana#hemp

https://www.holistikwellness.com/blogs/news/hemp-versus-marijuana#:~:text=But%20while%20marijuana%20comes%20from,to%20the%20cannabis%20sativa%20family.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044#health-benefits