As scientists began exploring the healthcare possibilities of cannabidiol, they found that CBD has not one but a plethora of medicinal properties that can cure everything from depression to the digestive system to insomnia. These unique properties of the hemp plant have led to a renaissance in the CBD industry. From farmers to entrepreneurs — all have benefitted from hemp commercialization. Hemp cultivation and industrialization have now become the next big thing.
Hemp is nature’s unique gift to humankind — just one plant and so many uses! The archaeological evidence has revealed that humans are using hemp since 8,000 years BC. The hemp plant has been the most important part of human civilization. From its use in making rope to clothing and even food — hemp has proved to be a versatile plant. The consistent innovations around hemp have now made it possible for humans to explore their medicinal capabilities. This has given birth to a crucial compound called cannabidiol or CBD.
Hemp & Marijuana — What’s The Difference?
Firstly, let’s make it clear. Hemp and marijuana are two different species of the same plant: cannabis. That’s why both hemp and marijuana have different properties. Both differ in their look and are easily differentiable. While hemp has skinny leaves, marijuana has long leaves and dense buds, which are concentrated throughout the plant. Hemp, however, features most leaves on top of the plant. Both of them need different cultivation environments. Both have different growth cycles and plantation methods. In terms of science, both work differently. While marijuana contains THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol in huge quantities, hemp has minimal THC chemicals in it. THC is the compound that gets you ‘high’.
Marijuana is produced for recreational or medical purposes, while hemp is primarily grown for industrial purposes. The THC content plays a huge role in the use of both of these plants. This is partly the reason that THC-rich marijuana is legal only in a handful of states in the United States, while CBD-rich hemp and its allied products have been widely accepted across the industry. Considering its therapeutic properties, the US government has also relaxed norms around the sale of CBD products via both online and offline mediums.
What Are The Uses Of The Hemp Plant?
The hemp plant has been an important part of human civilization. Let’s take a look at its various uses.
1) Hemp fiber has been in use since millennia. People have been using hemp oil for making clothes, paper, and ropes for thousands of years now. Interestingly, the origin of the word ‘canvas’ also came from cannabis.
2). Chinese and Indian people have been using hemp seeds as food for centuries. You can eat it raw or dry to make sprout power. The oil extracted from the hemp plant is rich in fatty acids. The plant contains an adequate level of Omega 3-6 fatty acids.
3) Hemp is used to making houses. Blocks made up of the hemp plant are called ‘hempcrete‘. There’s an entire industry around biodegradable plastic and hemp wood replacement. Apart from houses, the hemp material is also used to build cars and electronic items.
4). Researchers have used hemp to produce biofuel too. The hemp seeds and stalks can be converted into biodiesel called ‘hempoline‘.
5. Most recent use of hemp has resulted in the invention of cannabidiol or CBD. There’s a huge demand for hemp now as an entire industry has been set up around it. Its roots also possess several medicinal properties.
Hemp, A Hope Of Homeless People
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon an unavoidable tragedy in the human race. While over 1.1 million people have already succumbed to the pandemic, it continues its pernicious march across the globe. The world is finally moving towards developing a vaccine for coronavirus. But, poor and especially homeless people are still at the highest risk of getting infected and not getting proper treatment.
Homeless people are mostly those living on streets without social security or jobs. They are a disparaged lot that’s rejected by the world around them. Social rejection and their inability to get back on their feet give rise to untreated mental illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD or different health issues among them. The lack of basic amenities and an inability to meet expenses can push them to the wall. They often need a certain drug that can keep them off from the mental trauma of living homeless. Hemp-based CBD can suppress anxiety and clear the mind of random useless thoughts, which is why CBD can be a crucial part of their life.
Experts suggest proper education among such people about hemp and its usage can be life-changing for them. Those on harder drugs often find it difficult to get out. Meth or a fifth of vodka will always be cheaper than an ounce of CBD or hemp-based products. Homeless people can get away from such habits provided governments understand the severity of the situation. The first task it should do is to remove harsh restrictions around hemp. It should also explore how hemp can help those on hard drugs. It’s true that hemp can’t be a solution to all the problems faced by homeless people but it could be an alternative against harmful drugs.
The Bottom Line
The future of hemp looks bright! The commercialization of the medicinal plant has forced people to think about creative ways to benefit from it. According to an estimate, the hemp industry is set to double in terms of revenue in the next five years. The only challenge now is to educate people about its magical benefits and convince lawmakers about its safety to make it an indifferent part of our life. Scientists are also exploring various possibilities around CBD, and prominent among those is cancer research. Considering these prospects, the humble plant may even play a bigger role in our life one day.
