What is Hemp?

First things first, let’s get something out the way: industrial hemp is legal in the UK and many parts of the world, and will not get you high. Read on to find out more about this wonder plant.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are like cousins – they are related but different. Both belong to the same plant family, called Cannabaceae, but are unique varieties.

Within the Cannabaceae family is a genus (or subfamily) called Cannabis. Cannabis has three strands: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.

Hemp plants are a member of cannabis sativa, however marijuana can be either classified as cannabis sativa or cannabis indica, depending on the strain.

Hemp and marijuana plants look similar, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to examine their chemical composition.

To be classified as ‘hemp’ and therefore legal, the strain must contain less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical that gets you high. Marijuana, on the other hand, has more than 0.3% of THC, with some varieties containing THC at levels up to 30%. Any cannabis strain above 0.3% THC is illegal.

Hemp also contains a high level of the legal chemical cannabidiol (CBD), which cancels out the low levels of THC.

THC vs. CBD

Cannabis plants include a number of cannabinoids – the exact number is still being researched, but anywhere from 60 to more than 100.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds and many are found naturally in the human body, known as endocannabinoids. Others, called phytocannabinoids, can be consumed.

Cannabinoids help the body’s natural functions, including sleep, mood, memory, pain control and immune response. 

CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoids that we hear about in relation to cannabis. They are both phytocannabinoids and are not naturally produced in the body:

·      Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that produces psychological effects on the user. It stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, creating euphoria. It can also cause hallucinations and impair motor skills. This is the intoxicating chemical compound that is highly regulated, illegal and found in marijuana.

 ·      Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps support our central regulatory system with functions including appetite, mood and sleep. It can also help with controlling inflammation. CBD is non-intoxicating, is legal and is extracted from hemp.

Phytocannabinoids are not just found in cannabis, they are also found in vegetables and herbs including black pepper, Echinacea, broccoli and carrots.

How Hemp Grows

Industrial hemp is cultivated outside and is considered one of the most environmentally friendly crops. It is robust and adaptable and can grow in a variety of climates.

Hemp is often grown in large areas spanning hectares. The flowering plants are tall, reaching up to 1.8-4.5 metres high and are loosely branched with narrow leaves. They are happy to grow close together and so reduce the amount of land use required.

The dense canopy of hemp leaves blocks out the sun so weeds can’t flourish, eradicating the need for pesticides and herbicides. It has deep roots that help prevent soil erosion, and is one of the least thirsty commercial crops, requiring less water to thrive.

The plant also absorbs a high amount of CO2 and is regarded by many as a ‘carbon negative’ raw material. It is one of the fastest growing plants, benefits the crops grown after it, and has a greater natural resistance to pests and disease than many other commercial crops.

History of Hemp

The earliest recording in history of hemp cultivation is 10,000 years ago in 8,000 BC Japan. Used initially for its fibre to produce rope, and a substance that was used to seal gaps and plug holes in shipbuilding. It was also eaten and used for clothing and to produce paper.

It has been grown for millennia across the world, including in Asia, Middle East and Europe and was once one of the most lucrative commodities in the world.

In 16th century UK, King Henry VIII made growing hemp compulsory by law and fined farmers who didn’t obey. However, by the 19th century, the hemp industry had dwindled in the UK due to the increase of cotton production and the cheaper cost of transporting goods around the world.

Hemp cultivation was dealt a further blow with the American Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 that lumped hemp in with its mind-altering cousin marijuana and dissuaded farmers from growing it. In 1970, the US’s Controlled Substances Act grouped non-intoxicating hemp – possibly one of the oldest domesticated plants – with marijuana as an illegal substance.

Hemp was re-legalised in the UK in 1993. The industry is slowly growing and hemp cultivation is beginning to flourish once again around the world.

However, due to hemp’s misalignment as an illegal substance, there is still much confusion about the plant.

Different Uses for Hemp

Hemp is cultivated for a wide range of uses – some estimates say it has between 25,000 to 50,000 applications. These include textiles, food, beauty products, building materials, paper, fuel and even biodegradable plastic.

Each part of the hemp plant can be used, adding to its sustainability credentials as there is reduced waste.

·      Seeds – hemp seeds can be eaten on their own or made into milk, oil and protein powder. The oil from the seeds can also be used in beauty products, for fuel and even as a varnish for wood.

 ·      Stalk fibre – once harvested, the fibre found in the stalks of the hemp plant can be used for textiles, rope and carpet.

 ·      Stem hurds – the inner core of the stem can be used for building insulation, a building material named ‘hempcrete’, and biodegradable plastic.

 ·      Leaves and flowers – the leaves and flowers are great for compost and animal bedding. The leaves can be dried out and used to make tea, or eaten raw in salads.

 ·      Roots – hemp plants have long roots, and the uses include compost and in some medicines.

Hemp is a hugely versatile plant and new uses are being innovated every day.

Eating Hemp

Hemp seeds, leaves and roots are all edible. The most widely consumed are the seeds, which have an excellent nutritional value, being a rich source of protein, omegas 3 and 6 as well as fibre, and numerous minerals and vitamins.

Hemp seeds have a slightly nutty flavour and can be:

·      Eaten on their own – sprinkled on cereals or yogurts, used in baking (for example in our flapjack recipe), added to smoothies, or used to top salads.

 ·      Used as hemp seed oil – the seeds are pressed into an oil that can be used to drizzle over pasta, used as a salad dressing, included in dips such as hummus and pesto. It can withstand a little heat but is not suitable for deep-frying or stir-frying.

 ·      Used as hemp milk – hemp milk is made by blending the seeds and mixing with water. It can be used as a substitute to dairy milk for drinking, in coffee, over cereal and in baking.

 ·      Used as hemp protein powder – hemp is an excellent plant-based protein source and the powder can be added to smoothies and shakes, used to bake protein bars or even added to curries.

Hemp is naturally free from major allergens including dairy, gluten, soy and nuts.

Hemp: Wonder Plant and Super Food

Hemp is sustainable to grow and healthy to eat, having been cultivated for thousands of years.

After so long confused with its illegal near-relative, marijuana, non-psychoactive hemp is making a comeback – something we support wholeheartedly here at The Hemp Pantry.

We use it as a key ingredient in our hemp vegan butter alternative, Veurre®, and as a key ingredient in all of our products, from confectionary to dips.