Did you know that hemp was one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans?
Do you remember how to spell the word – ’emphasis’? How about knowing if it’s classified as marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are often confused. Check out these 7 hemp facts to learn more about the friendly plant that has been the center of many debates for decades.
1. The First Domesticated Plant
The hemp plant is believed to be one of the first domesticated plants, dating back over 10,000 years before the Common Era. The stems of hemp were used to make paper, rope, and fishing nets.
Its seeds were used to make oil, bird seed, and flour. Its leaves were used to make medicine and more. Hemp was also used to make clothes, hats, and canvas for painting. In the United States, hemp wasn’t used as an agricultural crop until the 1700s.
Fast forward to today, and hemp is still a beneficial plant in many ways. Hemp is being used to produce paper, fiber, fuel, biodegradable plastics, and even food.
Hemp is also being studied for its potential medicinal benefits, particularly in dealing with pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Hemp is even being used in beauty products and health supplements.
2. They Are Anti-bacterial
Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant, and one of its most incredible properties is the fact that it is antibacterial. This means that hemp can help to fight off bacteria and keep our bodies healthy.
Hemp has been used for centuries to heal wounds and fight off infections, making it a powerful natural remedy. Hemp has also been found to possess broad-spectrum antibiotic properties. It means that it can fight against a wide variety of bacteria.
In addition, hemp can also be used to create fabrics that are naturally antibacterial. Fabrics made from hemp will naturally help to protect against the bacterial growth that can cause clothing to smell and drive down their quality. Hemp is a remarkable plant, and its ability to act as an antibacterial agent should not be overlooked.
3. Hemp Plants Are Stronger Than Steel
Hemp plants are incredibly strong, with their fibers even being stronger than steel. This makes them ideal for a variety of uses:
- textiles
- paper
- building materials
- food products
In terms of strength, hemp has more tensile strength than any other natural or manmade fiber. Additionally, hemp can be woven together to create incredibly strong fabrics that can stand up to wear and tear.
In fact, hemp fabrics are so strong they are used in the automotive industry to make seat belts. Hemp can also create durable and waterproof building materials like insulation board, siding, and roofing.
With all these uses, it is easy to see why hemp plants are often considered to be stronger than steel.
4. Hemp Products Helped to Win WW2
Hemp products played a major role in helping the Allied powers to win World War II. During the war, hemp was used to produce the following materials:
- rope
- cloth
- oil
- paper
- fuel
Hemp was a crucial material considered a strategic resource because it was durable, non-perishable, and lightweight. This made it easier to transport and allowed the military to rely less on more expensive materials in their production of war materials.
The versatile plant was also used to make uniforms, sailcloths, and parachutes for soldiers. Hemp-based oil was also used in aircraft, tanks, and submarines.
This helped the Allies’ shipping and aircraft fleet remain strong and functioning throughout the war. Hemp was essential in outfitting the Allied military and providing their forces with the means necessary to compete and gain victory during the war.
5. Founding Fathers Grew Cannabis Plants
The Founding Fathers of the United States are often associated with hemp, and it is true that several of them did cultivate the plant. Here is the list of founding fathers who cultivated cannabis plants.
- George Washington
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Adams
Hemp was popular during their era because of its usefulness in the production of fabrics, paper, paint, rope, and more. This meant that hemp was an important crop for many different aspects of everyday life.
In addition to the direct production of hemp, the Founding Fathers also hoped to find ways to use hemp as a cash crop to help finance their grand experiment in self-governance.
Hemp was an important crop to the Founding Fathers, and its continued usefulness today is a testament to their foresight.
6. Van Gogh Painted on Hemp Paper
Van Gough’s artwork often features beautiful and vivid colors, and it is believed that one of the reasons for this is that he used hemp paper. Hemp paper was a popular material in the 19th century and Van Gough himself used it for his artwork.
He used hemp papers in order to achieve the incredible levels of color vibrancy and durability he wanted. Hemp paper is brighter and smoother than regular paper and will last a long time without yellowing or cracking.
It is also naturally resistant to water and dirt, more acid-free than wood pulp paper, and is highly sustainable and eco-friendly. With these hemp facts in mind, it is clear to see why Van Gough chose to paint on hemp paper.
7. Hemp Seeds Can Solve World Hunger
Hemp is a plant renowned for its many health benefits, and its ability to help solve world hunger is perhaps the most striking. Hemp seeds are a rich source of:
- plant-based proteins
- essential fatty acids
- dietary fiber
These are essential macronutrients for a healthy, balanced diet. Besides being nutritionally dense, hemp seeds are affordable and easy to grow.
They can feed large numbers of people in developing countries, which often lack the resources to grow other food sources. If you want to learn more innovative information and cannabis facts, then XXII is the right page for you.
Hemp Facts That You Need to Check Out
Overall, hemp is an incredibly versatile and valuable resource. Hemp products have numerous benefits for both the environment and its users. Hemp can be used to produce sustainable alternatives to plastic, fuel, and paper, impact local economies, and even help mitigate climate change and pollution. It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about hemp and why it matters.