It's time the federal
gov changes the way it looks at #hemp, which is why
Senator @RonWyden and I, along
with @SenJeffMerkley, are
introducing legislation that will modernize federal law in this area &
empower American farmers to explore this promising new market.
Hemp, or industrial hemp (from Old English hænep),[1] typically
found in the northern hemisphere, is a variety of
the Cannabis sativa plant species that is
grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products.[2] It is one
of the fastest growing plants[3]and
was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 10,000 years
ago.[4] It can be
refined into a variety of commercial items including paper, textiles,
clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal
feed.[5]
Although cannabis as a
drug and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis
sativa and contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are
distinct strains with unique phytochemical compositions
and uses.[6] Hemp
has lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD),
which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects.[6] The legality of industrial hempvaries widely
between countries. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and
permit only hemp that is bred with an especially low THC content.[7][8]
Uses
Hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial
products including rope, clothes, food, paper, textiles, plastics, insulation
and biofuel.[5] The bast fibers can
be used to make textiles that are 100% hemp, but they are commonly blended with
other organic fibers such as flax,
cotton or silk, to make woven fabrics for apparel and furnishings. The inner
two fibers of the plant are more woody and typically have industrial
applications, such as mulch, animal bedding and litter. When oxidized (often
erroneously referred to as "drying"), hemp oilfrom
the seeds becomes solid and can be used in the manufacture of oil-based paints,
in creams as a moisturizing agent, for cooking, and in plastics. Hemp seeds
have been used in bird feed mix as well.[13] A survey
in 2003 showed that more than 95% of hemp seed sold in the European Union was
used in animal and bird feed.[14]
