Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Although hemp is the same species as cannabis (marijuana), the seeds themselves do not naturally contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Hemp seeds have been used for centuries to treat and prevent certain health problems, and modern clinical research supports many of these claims. Are hemp and marijuana plants of the same species? Yes, hemp and marijuana are both Cannabis sativa plants.
Male hemp plants release pollen, which female plants use to produce seeds that are planted for future crops or sold as food. In marijuana fields, male plants are usually eliminated to ensure maximum production of seedless (seedless) flowers. HEMP, or industrial hemp, is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars that are cultivated specifically for industrial or medicinal use. Hemp can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, such as paper, ropes, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food and animal feed.
Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 50,000 years ago. The nutty flavor and versatility of hemp seeds make them an excellent substitute for levels of protein, essential fatty acids, and other nutritional benefits found in meat and dairy products. Hemp fibers are mainly used for textiles, paper, building materials and other industrial products. In some countries, hemp cultivation is regulated by law; in others it is unregulated.
The first to initiate modern research into the potential of cannabis was the state of Tasmania, which pioneered the licensing of hemp in the early 1990s. Many different stitches are used to create hemp jewelry; however, half-knot and full-knot stitches are the most common. The porous materiality of hemp insulation allows the penetration of air and moisture with an apparent density of up to 20% without losing any thermal properties. Hemp was discovered in Native American civilizations prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Although hemp doesn't produce a significant amount of THC, it is capable of producing the non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) in high concentrations. Relatively few plant-based foods are complete sources of protein, making hemp seeds a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Hemp can be refined into a variety of commercial items and is an excellent source of nutrition for humans and animals alike. Hemp cultivation has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its many uses and potential health benefits.
