HEMP IS NOT MARIJUANA

While they come from the same plant species; Cannabis Sativa, hemp products have only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. Industrial Hemp cannot get you high. 

Key Definitions

  • Hemp commonly refers to Cannabis Sativa plants used for fibre, however the term can also be used in reference to the fibre which is obtained from the plants stalk.

  • A class of hemp designed for industrial use, containing no more than 0.02% THC by dry weight

  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid within the cannabis plant which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent active ingredients in cannabis and does not cause a ‘high’. It is derived directly from the hemp plant, and is believed to be promising in alleviating pain, and in treating conditions such as anxiety

Hemp Benefits

  • Hemp is one of the most versatile, prolific & synergistic tools available to tackle key environmental challenges, such as CO2 & land contamination.

  • Hemp bio-remediates contaminated soil, improves soil structure & nutrient levels, and can lead to greater yields in follow-on crops, such as wheat.

  • Hemp grows without the need for pesticides or herbicides & needs minimal water. It’s one of the most effective CO2 offsets, as it can grow up to 5 metres in only 3-4 months.

  • Hemp is a sustainable raw material & can make approximately 10,000+ environmentally responsible & bio-degradable products including plastics, fuel & fibre.

  • Most importantly Hemp can empower small local communities by providing local manufacturing & industry.

History of Hemp

Hemp was one of the first cultivated fibre plants with records of its Harvest being dated back approximately 8500 years. Archaeological findings link its origins to ancient Neolithic civilizations in China, evident through hemp imprints discovered on pottery. Throughout the years, hemp served diverse purposes, from ropes and fabrics to medicinal applications. Whilst Hemp was cultivated for years, it met its eventual decline around the 19th century following the increase of cotton.

Hemp in the UK

Historically, Low THC Cannabis Sativa Hemp has deep roots in England, with mandatory hemp cultivation during the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I . The fibers were crucial for the national navy, supporting everything from ropes to sails and facilitating British global exploration.

WWII

While hemp usage declined in the 20th century, World War II necessitated a resurgence of hemp in the UK to address the shortage of fibers for military needs, such as rope. However, this soon came to a halt following the global ban in 1961.

Misuse Of Drugs Act 1971

In 1961, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961 was passed, enforcing a global ban on the entire Cannabis genus. Following this, the UK passed the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which imposed significant restrictions. Although legal cultivation resumed in the United Kingdom in 1993, the hemp flower remains prohibited as a controlled substance.