Cannabis sativa L.
What You Need to Know
Cannabis sativa L. otherwise known as hemp, is a plant that has been used in a variety of ways for a long time. It has industrial uses such as fiber and feed, and is currently being studied for the medical benefits that it might possess.
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Hemp is a herbaceous annual native to central Asia. It is susceptible to many diseases. Gray Mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is the most detrimental to the hemp industry.
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With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is scheduled to become federally legal for production. Might hemp be the answer as an alternatve to environmentally damaging materials like plastic? Click Learn More below to find out!
Hemp History
Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile crops that is still being used by man today. Hemp has historically been used for its fiber and seed production, with more recent focuses being on the production of phytocannabinoids such as CBD for medical use.
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Hemps origins begin in central asia where it is native. But it didn't take long for its use to become nearly worldwide. In the 16th centruy, King Henry VIII encouraged farmers to grow hemp as the fibers could be used in sailmaking for the British Navy.
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Historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp, and Benjamin Franklin opened one of the first hemp paper mills in America.
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After the invention of the cotton gin, hemp fell by the wayside as cotton was easier and cheaper to process. It wouldn't be until WWII that the hemp indsutry would begin to resurge. Click Learn More below to learn more about hemp during WWII!