Introduction
Hemp fibre has many advantages that make it ideal for the 21st century. The environmentally friendly cultivation, and the sustainability of its products, are the main drivers for growth in its use.
Despite its positive properties, hemp's cultivation and use has been held back, decreasing as a raw material during the 20th century. In recent years the upsurge in environmental pressures, and the need for sustainable products, has brought a renewed interest in this remarkable fibre.
Classification
In recent years, Small has proposed two possible classifications of Cannabis: one based on ICP-MS — confirming his earlier taxonomical treatment — and a new classification system for domesticated Cannabis based on The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Briefly:
- Group of non-narcotic plants, domesticated for stem fibre and/or oil seed in Western Asia and Europe. Low THC, high CBD.
- Group of non-narcotic plants domesticated in East Asia, mainly China. Low to moderate THC, high CBD.
- Group of narcotic plants domesticated in South-Central Asia. High cannabinoids, mostly THC.
- Group of narcotic plants domesticated in South Asia (Afghanistan and neighbouring countries), containing both THC and CBD.
What is Industrial Hemp?
Cannabis is a genus of plants in the family Cannabaceae. There are three species within the genus: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It is not always agreed that these are three separate species.
Hemp — or industrial hemp — is Cannabis sativa, grown specifically for industrial end-uses. It is made into a number of commercial products: textiles, paper, human and animal foods.
In Europe from the 1500s to the 1850s, hemp had many uses — including ship sails, rigging, ropes, sacks for cargo and clothing. Hemp was so much in demand for naval use in this period that it was, at times, made compulsory to turn part of your land over to growing it.
When steam-powered ships arrived in the mid-nineteenth century, demand for hemp fibre declined. It was also being replaced by cheaper cotton, and later by synthetic and man-made fibres.
Controls on the Growth of Hemp
In the early/mid-20th century, industrial hemp came under further adverse pressure as it was often categorised the same as marijuana. Whether through confusion, protectionism, or political reason is unknown. The difficulty in differentiating species, and the political climate of the time, led to widespread restrictions.
In the UK, the Home Office can issue licences for the cultivation of cannabis plants with a low THC content for the production of hemp fibre for industrial purposes, or for obtaining seeds for their oil. Licences to enable the use of non-controlled parts of the plant are also available.
Summary
Hemp is not marijuana — although they do both come from the Cannabis plant. Hemp's environmentally friendly cultivation and sustainability make it ideal for the modern world. Its use has been held back by being linked with the psychoactive strains, but as restrictions ease and the climate emergency makes sustainability non-negotiable, hemp is finding its place again.
