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The word hemp is derived from the Greek word kannabis which is also the root of the modern word canvas.
Hemp's scientific name is cannabis sativa. It is the same species as the marijuana plant but the strains
used for fibre have no psycho-active properties.
Hemp fibre has been used in textiles for at least 10,000 years. (Garment fragments from this time period
have been unearthed in China.)
Hemp fibres are some of the longest and the strongest of the natural fibres.
Hemp fabric is very light for its strength and is "breathable" and wicks moisture, allowing wearers to feel
comfortable in a wide range of environments.
Hemp fabric is resistant to U.V. rays, moulds and moths.
Hemp can be grown with little or no herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers.
Hemp uses far less water than other fibre crops and can be grown in most
climatic regions on Earth.
Hemp's deep tap roots bring nutrients to the surface and
help to rehabilitate the land. It's a great
rotational crop.
Hemp was integral to navies around the world as the sails, ropes and oakum, that made the fleets possible, were
all made out of hemp as were most of the sailors' clothes. The US even brought hemp cultivation back, after
years of prohibition, as it became a strategic necessity during the second world war. The slogan "Hemp for
Victory" was used during this period.
Hemp has been used in many other fields from the paper in paper money or cigarettes to the paper that the
American Constitution is written on as well as many books. Masterpieces were painted on hemp canvas.
Hemp also produces an edible seed that is extremely healthful in that it contains an excellent balance of
omega fatty acids and other nutrients with a high protein content and a nutty taste. Hemp seed and the
healthy oil derived from it are in growing demand by health conscious customers. They love it. Hemp seed and oil
are also in demand for healthy animal feed.
Another growing use of hemp fibre is in industrial composites. Hemp fibre composites are taking over for
such things as fibreglass. This isn't entirely new. See Henry Ford's 1941 hemp plastic car
here.
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