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HEMP HISTORY WEEK

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Hemp History Week is upon us once more, and for every year that passes the world is discovering new ways to utilize the versatile hemp plant. Hemp cultivation is largely illegal in the U.S., with the exceptions of a few states, but the material is often imported from Europe and Canada where it is more widely used. Known for its variety of uses, hemp has been experimented with for centuries across the globe. Now more than ever the world is developing new ways to utilize the plant’s unique structure and benefits. In honor of the seventh annual Hemp History Week, which takes place between June 6 and June 12, we’re taking a look at newest innovations and classic uses for hemp.

Buildings

Arguably the most important use of hemp is through hemp concrete, or what’s commonly called “Hempcrete”—and it’s changing the world one building at a time. The unique substance is created by mixing hemp hurds (the center of the hemp stalk), with a lime-based binder and mixing with water until it forms a thick, strong material that is much lighter in weight than traditional concrete. It’s important to note that hempcrete isn’t used as a foundation for structure, but rather it’s being used as support for the frame of buildings, as well as insulation. It also offers other benefits such as being resistant to rodents or pests, is non-toxic, is immune to mold, breathes better than concrete and is said to last longer too. Many hemp companies have come forth, like American Lime Technology, whose goal is to become a leader in “healthy building solutions with low embodied carbon in construction as well as low energy consumption in use” using their trademarked Tradical® Hemcrete®.

VehiclesVehicles

Just last month, a Florida man named Michael Dietzen announced the completion of his “green machine,” a Mazda with a chassis made out of hemp, according to the New York Post. The car’s body, which is protected by three piles of woven hemp, weighs less than cars with a fiberglass exterior and is an estimated 10 times more dent-resistant than steel. Dietzen cited his inspiration for using hemp when he found out that Henry Ford created a soybean-hemp car in 1941. Farther North in Canada, Calgary-based Motive Industries Inc. has also created a hemp car called the Kestrel, with a body made completely from hemp.

Food

The healthiest benefit of hemp for our bodies comes from either the hemp seeds or oil derived from pressing the seeds and/or plant’s stalks. While hemp seeds can be a healthy snacking alternative, the oil has numerous uses. Hemp oil has a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is a healthy fat that our bodies do not produce on their own. Hemp food companies are beginning to take hemp foods to the next level, such as Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seed Butter is a source of healthy fatty acids and protein too, as is Just Hemp Foods’ Hemp Protein Powder which is an allergen-free powder that is a high source of protein, fiber and Omega 3 and 6. Hemp foods are beginning to scratch the surface of health benefits to eating the plant.

SkincareSkincare

Hemp lotions have been on the market for years now, with staples like Hempz and products from The Body Shop rising high in popularity, but other companies have moved on from a simple hydrating skin lotion, and have helped hemp evolve into an entire skincare. Cannabis Beauty Defined (CBD) is a beauty line from Kannaway offers a cleanser, exfoliate, toner, serum, moisturizer, detox soak and salves. Utilizing hemp CBD oil in their formula, the various products help moisturize skin, remove dirt and makeup, all which help give skin a luminous and healthy, natural look.

Clothing

Shirts, blouses and pants made of hemp have become common, but hemp extends to everything from socks and underwear to bow ties, dresses, bras, hats, wallets, belts and shoes too. The most obvious benefit of utilizing hemp in clothing is the material’s breathable quality, making clothing even partially made of hemp cool and comfortable to wear. The opportunities to transition from cotton products is easy when you glance at hemp retailers such as Rawganique, which offers a wide variety of clothing and apparel.

hemphistoryweek.com

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