The legalization of the use of cannabis is now widespread across the whole US. Many people are now using it recreationally and medically as well. The old social stigma is now replaced by better awareness of the many useful benefits of the hemp flower.
Not only that, many cannabis products are now available in the market and the regulations surrounding the product have improved along with accessibility.
Cannabis Sativa and Hemp - An Understanding
Cannabis Sativa - this is a type of plant that is now available in various products. Examples are food, medicine, paper, clothing, paint, and more. This plant has different strains as well, which includes hemp (people also may directly refer to it as hemp flower) or industrial hemp.
Hemp products may or may not have CBD or cannabidiol in them as well as THC. The levels of these substances vary and affect how such products are used and consumed. Acquisition also varies depending on whether you need recreational or medicinal marijuana.
For medicinal marijuana, you need to provide a prescription and must have a thorough understanding from your physician regarding its use.
The Uses of Hemp Flower
The versatility of hemp, otherwise known as hemp flower, is quite amazing. Finding out what these uses are is important to gain a better insight into the cannabis plant itself and into the whole industry.
There are various forms of hemp flowers that are available for purchase. Besides its recreational uses, it is good to know what else hemp has to offer.
Commercial and Industrial Uses
Hemp can be utilized to serve both industrial and commercial industries. The plant contains fibers that are highly versatile enough. They can be integrated into many of the products you know and use today. These include items such as:
- textiles
- ropes
- papers
- biodegradable plastics
- and even biofuels
A wide variety of these products use hemp along with other components or materials like cotton and silk. The plant can be used in conjunction with polyester as well.
The fact that the oil that hemp produces solidifies is a good thing as well. It can be used in oil-based paints, which not only enables the art scene to be livelier, but these oil-based products can even moisturize your skin. Plus, they are utilized in cooking as well.
But the most common commercial use for hemp has to be in bird and animal feed. Most of the hemp seeds sold there are used for livestock and fowl feeding purposes.
Food Industry Applications
Speaking of food, animals and birds are not the only ones that can find uses for hemp. The plant can actually be used for many other food items consumed in other industries and breeding facilities. These include raw, sprouted hemp, powder, and ground hemp meal.
Raw hemp is also utilized, especially its seeds and leaves. The plant can be used to create salads and healthy juices once pressed. Going forward on the healthy train, the cannabis plant can also be used in granola and granola bars.
Since hemp can change states, it can be used as a liquid. Baked products and drinks utilize hemp in the form of milk and tisanes. Need your healthy fat intake of the day? Cold-press hemp to get its oil to complete your consumption of good nutrients.
Fiber to Create Art
Contrary to popular belief, hemp has been around for a long time throughout history. It has been used to create various fabrics and canvasses. Besides clothing, its purpose was to create sail canvases that were used to roam the seas.
In its purest form, hemp can be made into a similar material like linen. This application has created an avenue for other items to be made such as shoes, animal collars, and homeware.
Creating colorful jewelry is also in hemp's checklist of things it can be used for. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and even watches can utilize hemp.
Infrastructure
As mentioned previously, hemp can be made into different states of matter, especially the solid kind. It is solid enough to be used like concrete blocks to create large-scale buildings. Because its fibers are durable and very strong, it can actually replace wood and actual concrete to create an airier home.
Feel skeptical? Hemp can also be used as a lining for your homes to replace plaster. Internally or externally, it does a great job as a lime-based binder. To make the whole deal sweeter, the plant is also used to insulate buildings and homes.
Other Uses
There are many other applications of hemp that are being used all around the world. An example of this is for building cars. With a mix of other materials, hemp can be utilized to create plastic and composite materials for luxury vehicles and brands.
Paper is a common use for hemp as well. It is seen in cigarette paper, banknotes of various currencies, and filter papers. Unfortunately, producing paper using hemp is still quite costly so companies stick to wood for now.
Have a bunny or a guinea pig? If so, you probably have to buy and replenish their habitats' bedding. The straw used in each sack contains hemp!
Hemp can also be used to kill weeds that harm your crop or harvest. Because of its density, it can prevent harmful organisms from growing.
Removing the Stigma
Hemp is actually a plant that has uses other than just being a drug that gets you relaxed. With all its benefits, it is no surprise that hemp has been used throughout centuries and is still being used today. The possibilities are endless and will continue to grow as technology does.
So, make sure to not only use hemp for recreational and medicinal purposes but for practical ones, too!