First Plane Powered and Built by Hemp Helps Environment
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]H[/dropcap]emp has been known for its versatile applications for some time now, and was unfairly demonized during prohibition. Out of the unique products and constructions that have been creatively engineered with the use of hemp, one of the most unusual uses is the construction of a hemp plane that is also 100-percent fueled by hemp.
Inhabitat reports that Derek Kesek, who used to own an organic restaurant, actually started this project back in 2014. He claims that although people initially laughed at his plans to make a hemp plane, it is clear that it is going to be a very environmentally sound move. “We are building this essentially from weeds from the garden. When nickel and other elements are taken, they can’t be put back,” he explained at the time. The plane’s flight was recently again scheduled in 2017 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where the Wright Brothers first took flight.
Kesek is CEO of Hempearth, a company founded in 2012. The company also sells cannabis oils and other derived products, but this is sure to be their crowning achievement. They joined forces with Florida-based Velocity Inc., the group that actually manufactured the plane based on Kesek’s specifications.
High Times confirms that the plane is in fact a reality now. It has a 36-foot wingspan and can hold up to five people, four passengers and a pilot. “This is the kind of future we all want here on Earth,” he said.
While building such a plane may seem outlandish, the concept that hemp can be used as an alternative fuel is nothing new. Many studies are already looking at how it can be a useful alternative to currently-used, harmful and expensive gas. The attention the plane will get for being a working, airborne vehicle that runs on non-psychoactive cannabis will help bring even more positive publicity to the hemp industry.
