Human beings have extensively used the hemp plant throughout history. The current statutes on drugs and substance abuse in many countries and Australian states ban the cultivation of hemp. However, it is a cousin of the cannabis plant that produces little to no THC.
What are the various uses of the hemp plant?
Over the years, several research groups and entrepreneurs have explored different ways to utilize the plant and its parts. Since hemp does not require great care and labour during its growth period, it is a promising source of raw materials in the food, fuel, fashion, medicine and home care industries. Its high cellulose content makes it extremely versatile. Learn more about the plant and its uses here at https://www.cbdoilaustralian.com.au/hemp-uses/.
Here are some of the various uses of hemp: –
- Medicinal uses – although hemp produces no THC, the hemp flowers, buds and leaves have sufficient quantities of CBD. It is the non-psychoactive compound that has analgesic, carminative and anxiolytic properties. Several CBD products you can find in Australia come from the hemp plant due to heavy regulations on the culture and use of cannabis plants.
- Industrial uses – their high cellulose content not only makes them durable but also a great potential source for biofuel. Apart from biofuel, they can become parts of animal bedding, industrial cleaners, non-woven fabric, building material, insulation, fibreboard, netting, cords and chemical absorbents.
- Food – hemp can serve as the staple main course or a supplement, depending on which part you are eating. You can make granola bars, protein powders, and flour from it. The nut is high in protein, carbohydrates and fibres. Hemp also serves as highly nutritious cattle feed.
The stalks and fibres of the hemp plant can contribute to the production of eco-friendly paper, packaging material, environmentally-friendly clothing, parts of machinery or contraptions that use petroleum, and plastic composites. They are excellent raw materials for the production of filters, canvas, flooring material and even concrete.
According to the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), retail stores and online platforms have sold hemp products worth $620 million in the last year. The popularity of hemp is breaking all records across the world. The environmentally-conscious crowds currently hail hemp as the God-sent miracle plant that has answers to the problems of the depletion of fossil fuel, increasing carbon dioxide emission, global climate change and cheaper alternative biofuel synthesis. It is one of the most versatile plants on earth, and people are quite right to hold it in high regards.
What can hemp not do?
People are almost sure that hemp has superpowers and hemp can achieve nearly any feat. However, it will NOT get your “high”. Its absolute lack of THC ensures that any consumer gets to enjoy it as a therapeutic supplement or as food without worrying about their workplace drug test! Hemp is legal in Australia as long as the cannabinoid content of the products does not cross the legal threshold.
Where can you find hemp products around you?
Hemp oil – Today, you might even be able to buy hemp seed oil at your local departmental store. The oil has generous levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and it is also quite good for cardiac health. Many lifestyle brands and health food stores now add hemp seeds to their smoothies, yogurt and shakes. The high-GLA hemp seeds with ample omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are great to taste. Since ground hemp seeds contain a high level of soluble and insoluble fibre, you can add a spoonful to your breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
Food supplements – People, who are looking to switch to a healthier diet or losing excess weight, swear by a diet containing hemp seeds. The good fat and high fibre content keep the stomach full for a long time without contributing to high calories in their daily diet. Supplementing your regular diet with hemp seed granola bars and hemp milk can give you delicious ways to cut down on calorie consumption. A 100-gram portion of hemp seeds contains a whopping 31% of protein and 49% of total fat. Hemp has become the go-to protein source for vegans and vegetarians across the globe.
Cosmetics and skincare – Hemp extracts have also found their way to the beauty and skincare industries. Their high antioxidant content makes them perfect for treating wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation marks. The all-natural formulation and easy availability of the raw materials are making premium beauty products and treatments available to many. Using hemp as the source of raw materials is all the rage in the US and Australian makeup and skincare industries. Apart from anti-wrinkle creams and cosmetics, hemp is also a part of soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners and skin/hair serums. Hemp has become the ultimate source of all beauty, skin and hair care solutions for the modern man and woman, who care about the environment just as much as they care about their looks.
Why is hemp an essential plant for tomorrow?
There is not one primary industry where hemp does not find any use. Over the last couple of years, monetizing hemp and hemp-derived products have unravelled endless potentials of the plant. Hemp can find use in the textiles industry, building and industrial textile industry, paper and transport industry. It is inspiring to see the new small and medium enterprises, and start-ups take a keen interest in the optimal use of hemp and its parts in their respective fields. Hemp is a critical species since it can not only influence the economy if an industry, but it can also change the environmental impact of the industry drastically.
Hemp is an essential plant species for not only industrialists, researchers and inventors, but it is crucial for the country and the different states. Its easy availability and low-demand cultivation conditions make it one of the most important renewable resources for any country and its industries.
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