There is a big difference between hemp and cannabis. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug with various purposes, including medicinal and recreational. Although hemp is not a psychoactive plant, its produces a variety of health-promoting products and is a “super” food.
You can find more information about the benefits of cannabis and hemp here if you want to read a brief overview of what it has to offer.
Environmental Impact
Cannabis and hemp have become increasingly popular for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Still, these plants can potentially have a much more significant impact on the environment and the planet. Our environmental footprint can be reduced by hemp and cannabis, and some of these issues can even be solved.
Hemp Uses:
Despite being a type of cannabis plant, hemp does not produce marijuana. It is grown for its fibers, which are used to make fabrics, paper, and bioplastics. As well as biodiesel and biofuels, hemp is more efficient than other common crops like cotton, corn, and soybeans. Additionally, hemp is less harmful to the environment than traditional fossil fuels. It requires fewer resources to grow, such as water and land, and it does not need to be treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
The Use of Cannabis:
A plant like cannabis can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, cannabis plants can be used to make bioplastics, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional plastics. By using these bioplastics, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce pollution caused by plastic waste.
Deforestation and Carbon Footprint:
Cannabis and hemp can also help reduce deforestation. Hemp can be used to make paper and fabrics, eliminating the need for trees to be cut down for these products. Additionally, hemp is more efficient than other commonly used crops like cotton, corn, and soybeans, which means hemp can reduce the land needed for agriculture and help preserve forests and different natural habitats.
Hempcrete is made from the hemp plant, which can be used to construct walls, roofs, and other home elements. Hempcrete is a robust and durable material resistant to pests, mold, and rot. It also has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties, making it energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
Key Points:
- The amount of paper produced by one acre of hemp is the same as that produced by four to ten acres of trees.
- Hemp Stalks grow in 4 months, whereas trees used for paper production take 20-28 years.
- Hemp has a higher concentration of cellulose than wood, the principal ingredient in making paper.
- Among the many products made from hemp are health and beauty products, food, clothing, rope and twine, paper, biofuel, home insulation, plastic, and building materials. Additionally, hemp produces CBD oil, a popular health and wellness supplement.
- Hemp is generally much cheaper than cotton, corn, and soybeans. Hemp is typically about 25-40% cheaper than cotton and 40-50% cheaper than corn and soybeans.
- As a building material, hemp is more affordable, sustainable, and efficient than concrete.
Cannabis and hemp also have the potential to help with food insecurity. Hemp is a highly nutritious food source, containing proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Among its uses are flour, oil, and protein powder. When access to food is limited, this can help reduce food insecurity.
Key Points:
- Hemp seeds are a nutrient-dense food source.
- Approximately 25% of hemp seeds’ calories come from protein and 17% from fiber.
- Approximately 17% of hemp seeds’ calories come from fiber.
- They are high in essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
- Besides calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese, hemp seeds are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Farming hemp for livestock:
With its high protein content, nutrient-rich feed, and ability to provide an alternative to traditional foods, hemp is becoming increasingly popular as a livestock food. In addition to reducing livestock production’s environmental impact, hemp is a sustainable crop grown on a fraction of the land needed for conventional feed crops. The addition of hemp to traditional feed mixes can also provide animals with additional nutrients and improve their health. Hemp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease in animals.
Key Points:
- Seeds from hemp are a high-protein feed for livestock, and stalks and leaves can also provide nutrition.
- Hemp can help animals digest their food better.
- Hemp is a more sustainable and cost-effective livestock feed than traditional feed such as corn and soy.
- Hemp micronutrients and fiber can improve digestive health, livestock performance, and health.
- In addition to reducing food and land costs, hemp can reduce water costs since it requires less water than traditional livestock feed.
Conclusion
Cannabis and hemp are both beneficial to the planet and the environment. Hemp can be used to make fabrics, paper, bioplastics, and biodiesel, and cannabis can create bioplastics and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, hemp can help preserve forests, reduce deforestation, and provide a nutritious food source. These plants can help us reduce our environmental footprint and ultimately help save the planet.