Hemp FAQ

As more states across the United States continue to legalize cannabis, the federal government passed The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 to legalize hemp production in the US. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 is a law that was passed to remove hemp, which is defined as cannabis with less than .3% THC, from the schedule 1 controlled substance list and making it an agricultural commodity.

Wait less than .3% THC?  So it doesn’t get you high?

 

In short…. No.

Let’s take a step back and look at what hemp is and what it is used for.

What are the differences between hemp and marijuana?

The both come from the cannabis plant but they have different genetics and chemical make up. They are like cousins. Hemp has medicinal benefits but it is mostly non intoxicating in comparison to its counterpart cannabis sativa.  Hemp is non intoxicating but it is capable of producing CBD which has therapeutic and medical benefits. The entire hemp plant has a variety of different uses. The hemp seeds which consist of the nut, oil, and the cake, have different usages then the hemp stalk. The hemp stalk consists of the hurd, bast fiber, and the stalk. They also have very different methods for growth and how they are processed. You can find more information on that here.

What is hemp used for?

Hemp can be used as a renewable resource. The plant has many different uses from the seed to the stalk. It can be used for paper textiles and rope to name a few. If you take it a step further and break it down by seed and stalk.

  • The hemp seed is composed of the nut, oil, and cake.

  • The hemp nut section of the plant and can be used for foods like bread, granola and protein powder.

  • Hemp oil is used for things like fuel, ink, lubricants and cosmetics. The cake is used for flour and animal food.

The hemp fiber and stalk is used for a completely different line of resources.

  • The hurd can be used for animal bedding, mulch, concrete and insulation.

  • The bast fiber can be used to make rope, netting, canvas, clothes, shoes, and bags.

  • The actual stalk of the hemp plant is used to make ethanol, cardboard and other paper products.

 There is a reason that hemp usage can be traced back to 8,000 BCE. It literally can be used for over a dozen things. Hemp has been and can continue to be a valuable resource.  

Hemp Legislation

So if hemp is such a wonderful resource and you can’t get “high” off it, why is it so illegal? The Controlled Substance act of 1970 Classified all forms of cannabis as a schedule 1 drug, which made it illegal to grow in the united states.  It was first put under strict regulation in 1937 under the Marijuana Tax Act.  Some feel that is was a political move because the versatile plant was a threat to the oil, textile and paper industries. It saw a rebirth during WWII and became a cash crop due to its uses for making rope, clothing and canvas.

What does the new farm bill mean?

The new farm bill means that hemp cultivation Is not just reserved for universities and state departments any longer. Now it can be grown commercial and processed all over the country. This bill can help create thousands of jobs right here in the United States. It also allows the United States to find alternative resources that can be manufactured and process right here at home.

 

           

Sean Cook