National Hemp Month is celebrated throughout July. Hemp is also referred to as the Cannabis Sativa plant, which is the same species but of a different variety as marijuana. It is important to stress that hemp and marijuana are not the same. Hemp contains only 0.3% of T.H.C. (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance that is usually 5% to 20% present in marijuana. A cannabis plant with more than 0.3% T.H.C. is marijuana, whereas a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% is hemp.
History of NATIONAL HEMP MONTH
Hemp, or Cannabis sativa, or industrial hemp, is a plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family, cultivated mainly for its bast fiber or edible seeds. This special plant is often confused with the cannabis plants, sources of the drugs marijuana and hashish. All three products — marijuana, hemp, and hashish — contain tetrahydrocannabinol (T.H.C.), a compound that produces psychoactive effects in humans, but the variety of cannabis cultivated for hemp has small amounts of T.H.C. compared to the cannabis grown for the production of marijuana or hashish.
It is said that hemp originally comes from Central Asia, as archaeological excavations in China led to the discovery of the plant. It may have been harvested there for at least 10,000 years. The discovery proves that people in that region produced textiles from hemp fibers from around 4000 B.C. at the latest. Written records prove that hemp was used as medicine in ancient China, a knowledge attributed to the mythical emperor Shennong. His book “Ben Cao Jing,” compiled from oral traditions between 200 B.C. and 220 A.D., describes the medicinal and spiritual properties of hemp. Not only does the herb allow communication with spirits, but it also relaxes the body, however too much can lead to adverse effects! Hemp was also found in India, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The fiber is usually yellowish, greenish, dark brown, or gray. It is rarely dyed as it is not easily bleached. It is strong, durable, and used for cordage, artificial sponges, coarse fabrics like sacks (burlap), and canvas. Some specially-processed hemp has a whitish color and attractive luster and is used to make fabric similar to linen for clothing, or even shoes. Hemp is also used to make biodegradable bioplastics and as an alternative to wood in some cases.
NATIONAL HEMP MONTH timeline
Archeological excavations in China prove that people use hemp to produce textiles.
Hemp is used for its medicinal and spiritual properties.
The European abbess Hildegard von Bingen describes hemp seeds as being digestible, in her work "Naturkunde."
Researchers find cannabis, containing the active ingredient T.H.C. (tetrahydrocannabinol), on the altar of the Jewish temple at Tel Arad in Israel.
NATIONAL HEMP MONTH FAQs
When did we first start using hemp?
Hemp use archaeologically dates back to the Neolithic Age in China, from the fifth millennium B.C. Hemp fiber imprints were found on Yangshao culture pottery.
What is the origin of hemp?
Hemp originated in Central Asia. It was used in the Mediterranean countries of Europe, early in the Christian era, before spreading throughout the rest of Europe during the Middle Ages.
When was hemp rope invented?
One of the earliest examples of hemp used in rope and other textile products can be traced back to 1500 B.C. Egypt.
NATIONAL HEMP MONTH Activities
Try a product of hemp
It’s a good day to try some hemp products. You may already have a product or by-product at home, and you don’t even know it!
Attend a Hemp Fest
Attending a festival can help you learn more about the benefits of the plant. Some hemp festivals charge entrance fees with the proceeds allocated to hemp-related programs, while others rely on the generosity of hemp enthusiasts.
Support an environmental cause
The environmental aspect of this special plant is also important. The use of hemp falls in line with Earth Day's objectives by promoting a sustainable planet, as it is a sustainable product.
5 Positive Things About Hemp
Healing properties
Hemp has been used as medicine for centuries because its oil can help with stress management, inflammation reduction, sleep improvement, anxiety relief, and pain reduction.
Hemp seeds have tons of nutrients
They are rich in essential fatty acids with many health benefits.
Eco-friendly construction material
Hempcrete is a sustainable concrete-like construction material that’s popular for its eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Bioplastics made of hemp
Plastic has serious environmental and health impacts, so hemp as a biodegradable alternative is very necessary.
Biofuel made of hemp
The oil obtained from hemp stalks and seeds can be used to make biofuel for power engines, which is eco-friendlier and more sustainable than the typical diesel.
Why We Love NATIONAL HEMP MONTH
It is natural
Hemp is a natural alternative to traditional medicine and can be much more effective. There are a lot of different types of medicine made from hemp.
It is a sustainable product
We already mentioned that hemp can be used for a lot of things, including biofuel, construction materials, and plastic. All of these options are eco-friendly and sustainable.
It is versatile
You can incorporate hemp into your daily lives in many ways — capsules, oil, topical products, you name it. It is also easily accessible at your local store.
NATIONAL HEMP MONTH dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
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