Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for

industrial or medicinal use. It can be used to make a wide range of products.[1] Along with bamboo,
hemp is among the fastest growing plants[2] on Earth. It was also one of the first plants to be spun
into usable fiber 50,000 years ago.[3] It can be refined into a variety of commercial items,
including paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food,
and animal feed.[4][5]
Although chemotype I cannabis and hemp (types II, III, IV, V) are both Cannabis sativa and contain
the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they represent distinct cultivar groups,
typically with unique phytochemical compositions and uses.[6] Hemp typically has lower
concentrations of total THC and may have higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which
potentially mitigates the psychoactive effects of THC.[7] The legality of hemp varies widely among
countries. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred
with an especially low THC content into commercial production.[8][9]

Etymology[edit]
Further information: Etymology of cannabis
The etymology is uncertain but there appears to be no common Proto-Indo-European source for the
various forms of the word; the Greek term κάνναβις (kánnabis) is the oldest attested form, which
may have been borrowed from an earlier Scythian or Thracian word.[10][11] Then it appears to have
been borrowed into Latin, and separately into Slavic and from there into Baltic, Finnish,
and Germanic languages.[12]
In the Germanic languages, following Grimm's law, the "k" would have changed to "h" with the first
Germanic sound shift,[10][13] giving Proto-Germanic *hanapiz, after which it may have been adapted
into the Old English form, hænep, henep.[10] Barber (1991) however, argued that the spread of the
name "kannabis" was due to its historically more recent plant use, starting from the south, around
Iran, whereas non-THC varieties of hemp are older and prehistoric.[12] Another possible source of
origin is Assyrian qunnabu, which was the name for a source of oil, fiber, and medicine in the 1st
millennium BC.[12]
Cognates of hemp in other Germanic languages include Dutch hennep, Danish and
Norwegian hamp, Saterland Frisian Hoamp, German Hanf, Icelandic hampur and Swedish hampa.
In those languages "hemp" can refer to either industrial fiber hemp or narcotic cannabis strains.[10]

Uses[edit]

Hemp seed
Hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial products, including rope, textiles,
clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel.[4] The bast fibers can be used to
make textiles that are 100% hemp, but they are commonly blended with other fibers, such as flax,
cotton or silk, as well as virgin and recycled polyester, to make woven fabrics for apparel and
furnishings. The inner two fibers of the plant are woodier and typically have industrial applications,
such as mulch, animal bedding, and litter. When oxidized (often erroneously referred to as
"drying"), hemp oil from the seeds becomes solid and can be used in the manufacture of oil-based
paints, in creams as a moisturizing agent, for cooking, and in plastics. Hemp seeds have been used
in bird feed mix as well.[14][better source needed] A survey in 2003 showed that more than 95% of hemp seed
sold in the European Union was used in animal and bird feed.[15][better source needed]

Food[edit]

A macro image of hemp seeds

Hemp seed, hulled

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 2,451 kJ (586 kcal)

Carbohydrates 4.67 g

Sugars 1.50 g

lactose 0.07 g

Dietary fiber 4.0 g (around 20 g when whole)

Fat 48.75 g

Saturated 4.600 g

Trans 0g

Monounsaturated 5.400 g

Polyunsaturated 38.100 g

omega-3 9.301 g

omega-6 28.698 g
Protein 31.56 g

Tryptophan 0.369 g

Threonine 1.269 g

Isoleucine 1.286 g

Leucine 2.163 g

Lysine 1.276 g

Methionine 0.933 g

Cystine 0.672 g

Phenylalanine 1.447 g

Tyrosine 1.263 g

Valine 1.777 g

Arginine 4.550 g

Histidine 0.969 g

Alanine 1.528 g

Aspartic acid 3.662 g

Glutamic acid 6.269 g

Glycine 1.611 g

Proline 1.597 g

Serine 1.713 g

Vitamins Quantity
 %DV†

Vitamin A equiv. 0%

beta-Carotene 1 μg

0%

7 μg

Vitamin A 11 IU

Thiamine (B1) 111%

1.275 mg

Riboflavin (B2) 24%

0.285 mg

Niacin (B3) 61%

9.200 mg

Vitamin B6 46%

0.600 mg

Folate (B9) 28%

110 μg

Vitamin B12 0%

0 μg

Vitamin C 1%

0.5 mg

Vitamin E 5%

0.80 mg

Minerals Quantity

%DV†

Calcium 7%
 70 mg

Copper 80%

1.600 mg

Iron 61%

7.95 mg

Magnesium 197%

700 mg

Manganese 362%

7.600 mg

Phosphorus 236%

1650 mg

Potassium 26%

1200 mg

Sodium 0%

5 mg

Zinc 104%

9.90 mg

Other constituents Quantity

Water 4.96 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Link to Complete USDA Nutrient Database Entry

• Units
• μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams
• IU = International units
 †
Percentages are roughly approximated

using US recommendations for adults.

Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into hemp meal, sprouted or made into dried sprout powder.
Hemp seeds can also be made into a slurry used for baking or for beverages, such as hemp
milk and tisanes.[16] Hemp oil is cold-pressed from the seed and is high in unsaturated fatty acids.[17]
In the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs treats hemp as a purely non-food
crop, but with proper licensing and proof of less than 0.3% THC concentration, hemp seeds can be
imported for sowing or for sale as a food or food ingredient.[18] In the US, hemp can be used legally in
food products and, as of 2000, was typically sold in health food stores or through mail order.[17]

Whole hemp seeds

Hulled hemp seeds

Nutrition[edit]
Further information: Hemp protein
A 100-gram (3+1⁄2-ounce) portion of hulled hemp seeds supplies 2,451 kilojoules (586 kilocalories)
of food energy. They contain 5% water, 5% carbohydrates, 49% total fat, and 31% protein. Hemp
seeds are notable in providing 64% of the Daily Value (DV) of protein per 100-gram serving.[19] Hemp
seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber (20% DV), B vitamins, and the dietary
minerals manganese (362% DV), phosphorus (236% DV), magnesium (197% DV), zinc (104% DV),
and iron (61% DV). About 73% of the energy in hemp seeds is in the form of fats and essential fatty
acids,[19] mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic, oleic, and alpha-linolenic acids.[20] The ratio of
the 38.100 grams of polyunsaturated fats per 100 grams is 9.301 grams of omega-3 to 28.698
grams of omega-6.[21] Typically, the portion suggested on packages for an adult is 30 grams,
approximately three tablespoons.
The amino acid profile of hemp seeds is comparable to the profiles of other protein-rich foods, such
as meat, milk, eggs, and soy.[20] Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores were 0.49–0.53 for
whole hemp seed, 0.46–0.51 for hemp seed meal, and 0.63–0.66 for hulled hemp seed.[22]
Despite the rich nutrient content of hemp seeds, the seeds contain antinutritional compounds,
including phytic acid,[23] trypsin inhibitors, and tannins, in significant concentrations.[24]
Storage[edit]
Hemp oil oxidizes and turns rancid within a short period of time if not stored properly;[17] its shelf life is
extended when it is stored in a dark airtight container and refrigerated. Both light and heat can
degrade hemp oil.

Fiber[edit]
Hemp fiber has been used extensively throughout history, with production climaxing soon after being
introduced to the New World. For centuries, items ranging from rope, to fabrics, to industrial
materials were made from hemp fiber. Hemp was also commonly used to make sail canvas. The
word "canvas" is derived from the word cannabis.[25][26] Pure hemp has a texture similar
to linen.[27] Because of its versatility for use in a variety of products, today hemp is used in a number
of consumer goods, including clothing, shoes, accessories, dog collars, and home wares. For
clothing, in some instances, hemp is mixed with lyocell.[28]

Hemp stem showing fibers

100% hemp fabric

Hemp dress
 •

Hemp dress

Hemp shorts

Hemp sack

Hemp shoes
Building material[edit]
Hemp as a building construction material provides solutions to a variety of issues facing current
building standards. Its light-weightiness, mold resistance, breathability, etc. makes hemp products
versatile in a multitude of uses.[29] Following the co-heating tests of NNFCC Renewable House at the
Building Research Establishment (BRE), hemp is reported to be a more sustainable material of
construction in comparison to most building methods used today.[30] In addition, its practical use in
building construction could result in the reduction of both energy consumption costs and the creation
of secondary pollutants.[30]
The hemp market was at its largest during the 17th century. In the 19th century and onward, the
market saw a decline during its rapid illegalization in many countries.[31] Hemp has resurfaced
in green building construction, primarily in Europe.[32] The modern-day disputes regarding the legality
of hemp lead to its main disadvantages; importing and regulating costs. Final Report on the
Construction of the Hemp Houses at Haverhill, UK conducts that hemp construction exceeds the
cost of traditional building materials by £48per square meter.[32]
Currently, the University of Bath researches the use of hemp-lime panel systems for construction.
Funded by the European Union, the research tests panel design within their use in high-quality
construction, on site assembly, humidity and moisture penetration, temperature change, daily
performance and energy saving documentations.[33] The program, focusing on Britain, France,
and Spain markets aims to perfect protocols of use and application, manufacturing, data gathering,
certification for market use, as well as warranty and insurance.[33]
The most common use of hemp-lime in building is by casting the hemp-hurd and lime mix while wet
around a timber frame with temporary shuttering and tamping the mix to form a firm mass. After the
removal of the temporary shuttering, the solidified hemp mix is then ready to be plastered with lime
plaster.[34]
Sustainability[edit]
Hemp is classified under the green category of building design, primarily due to its positive effects on
the environment.[35] A few of its benefits include but are not limited to the suppression of weed
growth, anti-erosion, reclamation properties, and the ability to remove poisonous substances and
heavy metals from soil.[35]
The use of hemp is beginning to gain popularity alongside other natural materials. This is
because cannabis processing is done mechanically with minimal harmful effects on the environment.
A part of what makes hemp sustainable is its minimal water usage and non-reliance on pesticides for
proper growth. It is recyclable, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making hemp a popular choice
in green building construction.[35]
Hemp fiber is known to have high strength and durability, and has been known to be a good
protector against vermin. The fiber has the capability to reinforce structures by embossing threads
and cannabis shavers. Hemp has been involved more recently in the building industry, producing
building construction materials including insulation, hempcrete, and varnishes.[36][37][38][39][40][41]
Hemp made materials have low embodied energy. The plant has the ability to absorb large amounts
of CO2, providing air quality, thermal balance, creating a positive environmental impact.[37]
Hemp's properties allow mold resistance, and its porous materiality makes the building materials
made of it breathable. In addition hemp possesses the ability to absorb and release moisture without
deteriorating. Hemp can be non-flammable if mixed with lime and could be applied on numerous
aspects of the building (wall, roofs, etc.) due to its lightweight properties.[35][37]
Insulation[edit]
Hemp is commonly used as an insulation material. Its flexibility and toughness during compression
allows for easier implementation within structural framing systems. The insulation material could also
be easily adjusted to different sizes and shapes by being cut during the installation process. The
ability to not settle and therefore avoiding cavity developments lowers its need for maintenance.[41]
Hemp insulation is naturally lightweight and non-toxic, allowing for an exposed installation in a
variety of spaces, including flooring, walling, and roofing. Compared to mineral insulation, hemp
absorbs roughly double the amount of heat and could be compared to wood, in some cases even
overpassing some of its types.[41]
Hemp insulation's porous materiality allows for air and moisture penetration, with a bulk density
going up to 20% without losing any thermal properties. In contrast, the commonly used mineral
insulation starts to fail after 2%. The insulation evenly distributes vapor and allows for air circulation,
constantly carrying out used air and replacing with fresh. Its use on the exterior of the structure,
overlaid with breathable water-resistive barriers, eases the withdrawal of moisture from within the
wall structure.[41]
In addition, the insulation doubles as a sound barrier, weakening airborne sound waves passing
through it.[41]
Concrete[edit]
Main article: hempcrete
In addition to the absorbed CO2 during its growth period, hemp repeats during the creation of the
concrete. The mixture hardens when the silica contained in hemp shives mixes with lime, resulting in
the mineralization process.[dubious – discuss].[40]
Hemp is most commonly used as concrete in building construction due to its lightness (roughly
seven times lighter than common concrete). The building material is made of hemp herds
(shives), hydraulic lime, and water mixture varying in ratios.[39] The mix depends on the use of
concrete within the structure and could differ in physical properties. Surfaces such as flooring
interact with a multitude of loads and would have to be more resistible, while walls and roofs are
required to be more lightweight.[39] The application of this material in construction requires minimal
skill.[39]
The most common variation of this building style is hempcrete; made of concrete-like blocks. Such
blocks are not strong enough to be used for structural elements and must be supported by brick,
wood, or steel framing.[30] In the end of the twentieth century, during his renovation of Maison de la
Turquie in Nogent-sur-Seine, France, Charles Rasetti first invented and applied the use of
hempcrete in construction. Shortly after, in the 2000s, Modece Architects used hemp-lime for test
designs in Haverhill.[42] The dwellings were studied and monitored for comparison with other building
performances by BRE. Completed nine years later, the buildings were found to be one of the most
technologically advanced structures made of hemp-based material. Following the discovery, it
pioneered hemp's use in UK construction.[42] A year later the first home made of hemp-based
materials was completed in Asheville, North Carolina, US.[43]