Hemp is made from the fibers of the Cannabis plant which is also the plant used to produce Marijuana.
These fibers from the Cannabis plant have been used to make various materials for thousands of years. The percentage of fiber that can be reaped from the Cannabis plant is greater than that of cotton, making it more effective as a source for material making. Also the Cannabis plant is very fast growing which also makes it an ideal source for material manufacturers.
During the days of the great sailing ships Cannabis materials were used to make the canvasses of the ships. Cannabis was also used to make the ropes for the rigging on these ships.
The first United States flag was made of material made from Cannabis and the United States Constitution was written on paper made from the Cannabis plant.
One of the first Ford motors ever designed was made from materials made from Cannabis and that same car was designed to run on oil that was made from the Cannabis plant.
The first Levi Jeans were made from a Cannabis Material.
Today's Marijuana Use
Today materials derived from the Cannabis plant are made to use clothing. This clothing is tough and durable. Some say though that the Cannabis is dull, due to its pale color. That though is a misconception as Cannabis materials are very compatible for use with dyes and so there is no reason why Cannabis materials can not be as bright and colorful as any cotton product.
It is true however that material made from Cannabis can be a little rough in so far as it is unsuitable to make underwear from it, or any other clothing that may rub against the skin. Its long fibers, strength and durability though, make it an ideal material for making outer garments, bags and of course rope. The fact that these materials also contain natural anti mildew and anti microbial properties also make it a material of choice in many fields.
Because of the connection that the Cannabis plant has to Marijuana, growing of industrial Cannabis in the United States is illegal.
Some other countries though, including Canada, permit the growing of Cannabis for industrial purposes. This industrial Cannabis is especially cultivated to minimize the THC content in the plant. THC is the active ingredient in Marijuana, which gives it that “high” effect. In the Canada industrial Cannabis plants the level of THC is 0.3% whilst in Cannabis plants used to produce Marijuana the THC is 5%-20%.
As we have seen, Cannabis can be used to make construction materials, as in the Ford motor. It can used to make oils, again as in the Ford motor. It can be used to make paper, as in the case of the US constitution. It can be used to make large fabrics as in the case of the US flag and the ships canvasses. It can be used to make clothing as in the Levi Jeans and of course it can be used to make rope.
All of these products can be produced from the Cannabis plant and whilst it is illegal to cultivate industrial Cannabis in the United States, it is permitted to import most of these products.