Often associated with cannabis, hemp is a plant whose many uses and properties often remain unknown to the general public. Today, we are going to talk about hemp and introduce you to this plant like no other. Identity card Name: Cannabis sativa or Cannabis Indica Origin: New Zealand, France, China, Canada Botanical family: Cannabaceae Parts used: Cannabis seeds (also called hemp seeds) Storing hemp oil: In a cool, dry and ventilated place, away from heat sources and protected from light. Hemp oil has no particular contraindications. It is suitable for the whole family, even pregnant and breastfeeding women. Precautions: In case of contact with eyes, rinse them for several minutes while keeping the eyelids apart. If swallowed, rinse mouth. What is Hemp Oil? Hemp oil is a dark green to black liquid with an odor similar to freshly cut grass. It is fluid and easily absorbed by the skin. It has a non-greasy finish, making it particularly suitable for acne-prone skin. This oil nourishes dry or oily skin without causing excess sebum, regenerates and protects mature skin. Hemp oil is largely composed of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and vitamin E. It is highly valued for its properties, particularly for its action on hair. Indeed, it will nourish and protect it. History, origin and cultivation of hemp You should know that there are two varieties of hemp: cannabis Indica and cannabis Sativa. The first is the variety that many know for its psychotropic effects. It is also prohibited for sale in France. On the other hand, cannabis sativa is the variety of cannabis that is cultivated and marketed for food, cosmetic, or industrial purposes. It is the latter that is used to obtain hemp oil. The latter is completely legal in Europe and France as long as its cultivation is declared to the competent authorities (prefecture) and the seeds used are recognized among the hemp seeds authorized for sale in France. Finally, the hemp plant must have less than 0.2% THC during its cultivation and be equal to 0% in the finished product. Both types of cannabis indica and sativa have psychotropic effects and can be smoked, but cannabis indica contains more CBD/THC and is less psychoactive. This plant is very productive, grows quickly and improves soil structure with its deep roots. Hemp has a so-called phytoremediation capacity. It acts as a depollutant on treated soil that has sometimes been damaged by human economic and industrial activities. It can bind heavy metals or capture radioactivity. Moreover, during the Chernobyl nuclear incident, hemp plants were used to neutralize cesium, strontium, and plutonium present in contaminated soil. The hemp is burned in a sealed container, and its ashes are then spread over the area to be treated. This is a faster solution than traditional decontamination, allowing time to pass. The Evolution of Interest in Hemp Cultivation Hemp has been cultivated and used by humans for centuries. It is valued for its flexibility, robustness, and ease of working. It is also a highly versatile plant that can be used in many different fields. It is found in the textile industry, paints, solvent fuels, and even medicines. Some even produce hemp flour. Rich in fiber, hemp stems are often used to make ropes, sails, clothing, and paper. The French King Charlemagne relied on and encouraged the cultivation of hemp among his subjects to produce ropes and clothing. From the 17th to the 18th century, hemp became essential on ships and sailing vessels used for maritime transport. It was used to make sails and ropes of all kinds. Its cultivation was widespread in North America for a long time. In fact, the United States Declaration of Independence was written on a sheet of hemp. Indeed, during the 19th and 17th centuries, it was very common to make paper from hemp. This paper can be recycled up to 8 times. Hemp is also used in construction. For example, hempcrete is made. It is also used as fuel when used to produce ethanol. Hemp used for cosmetic or food purposes is cultivated and then marketed according to very specific rules. Among these, the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is 0%. THC is one of the molecules responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis. Hemp oil is used in the production of soaps, anti-aging products, and creams, for example. After reaching its peak in the 1830s, hemp cultivation gradually became less and less important. It was with the arrival of nylon in the textile industry that hemp experienced a decline, although it had previously been widely cultivated for this purpose. The prohibition existing at this time completed this lack of interest in hemp cultivation. However, the latter is much less polluting than cotton cultivation, requires fewer pesticides and has less environmental impact. For a long time, hemp was associated with THC, the molecule responsible for the psychotropic properties of cannabis. However, this plant is now once again prized for its various properties, particularly cosmetic ones. Hemp is used to make many materials known for their recyclable and low-pollution properties. It is even found in some recyclable plastics and cellophane. During the 1930s, the American government engaged in a fight against illicit drug use. Thus, in 1937, cannabis cultivation was taxed in the United States. This was a deterrent to the cultivation of marijuana. Europe also banned hemp during the 1960s. Its use gradually declined and was shunned in the industry. However, during the 1990s, it attracted renewed interest and production resumed. Today, a third of European hemp production is carried out in France. Hemp is now once again being grown industrially and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that this versatile and low-pollution plant represents a definite alternative for our future. Indeed, given the ecological conditions and crises we face, a plant such as this would provide a solution to many current and future problems. In 2017, France was the world leader in hemp production. The tree and its characteristics Native to Asia, hemp is believed to have subsequently traveled the world with the various migrations of populations. The stem of cannabis sativa measures between 2 and 4 meters in height on average. Its roots can go 30 to 60 cm deep into the ground. This hardy plant easily survives without other pesticides and herbicides used to control pests and weeds. It requires very little water to grow. It is easily recognized by its thin, palmate leaves. Hemp also consists of seeds called hempseed and the fiber and inner pith of the stem called hemp shiv. These seeds are most often sown in spring (April and May). They are then harvested between late August and October. Hemp in a few figures 2.85 kg: This is the amount of hemp fiber produced every second in the world. 90,000 tonnes: This is the annual global production of hemp 4 to 12 tonnes: This is the yield for 1 hectare of cultivated hemp How to get hemp oil How is hemp oil obtained? Extraction The oil is extracted from hemp seeds. These are crushed to release all the oil they contain. Like all WAAM oils, hemp oil is extracted by first cold pressing. This preserves all of its properties without ever altering them.
