Heavenly Hemp

by Dr. Amy Wiesner

The hemp plant has played a significant role in the civilization of the world, starting in China as early as 10,000 BC. It had many important uses with a number of different materials in the ancient world including paper, clothing, rope, ship sails, building materials, bowstrings, food and medicine. In fact, the Chinese invented paper, and used hemp to do it!

The “industrial” plant used to make these products, Cannabis sativa L.,  is different from the leaves of the plant Cannabis sativa indica, which are illegal due to the higher amount of the psychoactive ingredient, THC.

Hemp cultivation is a good crop for the environment. It is naturally resistant to bugs, so it does not need pesticides and herbicides to grow it. It does not take up a lot of land to cultivate, hence has a low ecological footprint. Most of its parts can be used, so there is little refuse.

Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both grew hemp. Henry Ford wanted to use it as both components for cars and for the fuel to run them. Wars were fought over it because it was so necessary for food and to create useful products. It was a huge cash crop in the U.S. until it was made illegal in the middle of the 20th century.

Hemp as food and medicine is equally astonishing. The hemp seeds can be used to make oil and milk, ground to make flour and can be added to cereals and shakes for a tasty, healthful addition. It can be used as a source of healthy fat and proteins for both humans and animals, and has been for thousands of years.

Current research on hemp oil shows that it has remarkable benefits. It contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that have shown to be particularly good for the cardiovascular system, are anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer.

Overall, the hemp plant has remarkable uses, as has been shown from it’s continuous use throughout the world for 12,000 years! Not taking advantage of its many healthful and environmentally-friendly uses would be disadvantageous for the entire world.