All about Hemp

by Mickey Baskett

“Hemp is a hopeful answer to a myriad

of needs in society, including the

interests of people who otherwise

seem to be at opposite poles in

viewpoint. The environmentalist and

capitalist alike, for example, can find

 advantages and opportunities in this

versatile commodity. This natural

fiber answers many of the

environmentalist’s concerns, while it

could considerably reduce our

country’s (or planet’s) dependency on

oil as a cheaper, safer fuel substitute.

And for the fashion artist, it can be

made into beautiful fabric and fiber

art cord. These qualities, mentioned to

 demonstrate its universality, just

scratch the surface of hemp’s

versatility and advantages.” 

Hemp Has A Long History

 “In the days of our forefathers, hemp

was a common crop. A past publication

of the U.S.Department of Agriculture

has called hemp “ the oldest cultivated

fiber plant”, mentioned how the crop

improves the land, and said that it

yields “one of the strongest and most

durable fibers of commerce”. In some

areas of North America during

Colonial times (Massachusetts,

Connecticut, and Chesapeake, for

instance), hemp production was so

important that citizens were required

by law to grow the plant. So much a

part of America’s history is connected

 with hemp that even the first two

drafts of the U.S constitution were

written on hemp paper. The final draft

 is on animal skin.”

Hemp has a variety of Uses 

Paper is another wonder of hemp.

It contains no dioxin or other toxic

residues. A 1990 commentary for ABC

News (by Hugh Downs) reports that: A

single acre of hemp can produce the

same amount of paper as four acres of

trees. The trees take 20 years to

 harvest and hemp takes a single

season. In warm climates, hemp can be

 harvested two even three times a

year. It also grows in bad soil and

restores the nutrients.The “hurds” of

hemp remaining after the fiber has

been removed can be used to produce

more than 25,000 products ranging

from dynamite to cellophane to non-

toxic paints and varnishes. Many of

these products are now made with

toxic petrochemicals. Since the

growth of hemp was prohibited in the

 U.S. because it contains the drug

known as marijuana (Mexican word for

hemp), manufacturers have found

other means of producing products.

 During World War ll, the hemp crop

was vital to  the U.S. because the war

had cut off access to fiber for

textiles, rope, and other wartime

needs. “Hemp For Victory” was a

slogan for encouraging the growth of

hemp. In 1943, over 100,000 acres of

 hemp was being grown in the

U.S.Hemp is really the

environmentalist’s dream, In the past,

 all oil lamps burned hemp seed oil

until whale oil edged it out in the mid-

nineteenth century. Later lamplights

were fueled by petroleum and coal

and, recently, radioactive

 energy.Hemp can used to manufacture

a variety of plastic products. It can

provide a compostable Styrofoam

replacement. The seed oil can be

converted into a valuable plastic resin.

 Some German manufacturers are

developing snowboards and

skateboards from hemp-based-plastic.

Plant-based plastics such as hemp and

corn can be completely

biodegradable. 

Hemp-The Perfect Cord for Hand Tied Jewelry 

“Hemp fiber has great tensile

strength and durability whether made

into rope or fine lace. Hemp textiles

with at least 50% hemp content block

 the sun’s UV rays more effectively

than other fabrics. Compared to

cotton fibers, hemp fibers are longer,

stronger, more lustrous and

absorbent, and more mildew-

resistant. Hemp fabrics also help deep

the wearer cooler in summer and

warmer in winter than do cottons or

synthetics.Many innovations in the

hemp textile industry are improving

the qualities of hemp yarn, making it

lighter weight and more uniform than

before.Hemp fibers, textiles, and

items made of hemp are important for

many countries around the world.

There is a large movement afoot in the

 U.S. to reinstate the cultivation of

fiber hemp as more and more people

favor the environment-friendly and

economically-sound products made

from this plant.”