Hemp refers to the stalk and seed of the plant Cannabis sativa L. More than 1,000 strains of this plant are cultivated for various uses, including food, fiber, and fuel. It grows well naturally with little water and without pesticides or herbicides, and actually improves the quality of the soil. Hemp textiles offer superior strength and durability, insulative qualities, and some UV protection. Additionally, hemp fiber products are naturally mildew-resistant, making hemp an ideal choice for cloth diapers, clothing and footwear.
Hemp is grown nearly everywhere in the world, except in the USA because of the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act. Only a very small percentage of this hemp is certified organic. Organic hemp is produced without the use of chemical fertilizers (conventional hemp production often utilizes artificial chemical fertilizers to add nitrogen) or chemical processing methods (such as chemical retting).
Cannabis or marijuana refers to the smoking or ingesting of the flowers or leaves. These parts contain significantly higher amounts of the compound THC (TetraHydraCannibinol), which is required for psycho-activity.
For more information, see the HIA, the NAIHC and Ecolution's Technology information. |
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