Hemp is a versatile plant that lends itself to many uses. For much of its history, our country was a major producer of hemp, which was used to make rope, canvas, paper and fabric for the world. Now that hemp production is legal in some states, we’re bound to come up with even more things you can make from it. So here are a few!
- Cloth
Hemp produces a warm, lightweight fabric. The fabric can be treated to have the texture and properties of linen, twill, and canvas.
- Building Supplies
Some countries are already using hemp insulation in their buildings. It’s also used to make pressboard, fiberboard and “hempcrete,” a hemp-based concrete.
- Fuel
You can produce both biodiesel and ethanol/methanol from hemp. It’s a cost-efficient and energy-efficient fuel source.
- Milk
You can grind the seeds to create a dairy-free milk alternative. Vegan hemp milk is already available in sweetened and flavored varieties in many food stores.
- Lotion
Hemp lotion has been around for a long time. It uses hemp oil in place of petroleum or mineral oil to leave skin smooth and soft.
- Canvas
In the early centuries of shipbuilding, hemp was a favorite for making sails. It was also widely used to make covers for carriages and coaches. This type of canvas is extremely durable and low-cost.
7. Hair Care Products
Hemp seeds contain high levels of fatty acids that are good for your hair and skin. In hair care products, they replace oils and fats to leave hair smooth and shiny.
- Paper
At one time, hemp was used in almost all of the paper produced in the world. Its combination of resiliency and softness made it perfect for this use.
- Batteries
Researchers have discovered they can create carbon electrodes simply by heating hemp bast fibers to create an environmentally friendly battery source.
- Plastic Products
Hemp is used in a variety of plastic products. Unlike plastic made from polypropylene, hemp plastic is completely biodegradable.
- Heart Seeds
Hemp heart seeds are a healthy snack that are high in fiber, protein, Omega fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- Beer
Since hemp and hops are botanical cousins, you can use it instead of hops to produce beer. Breweries are making beer and ale with a distinctive grassy, hemp flavor.
- CBD Oil
People who want the health benefits of cannabis in a safe, legal form without the psychoactive effects of THC can use CBD oil pressed from hemp seeds.
- Sneakers
The tough canvas made from hemp is ideal for sneakers. In fact, Nike made a shoe, the Hemp Dunk Low, in 2016.
- Animal Feed
Some ranchers and farmers have started adding hemp seed to the mix of grains they feed their cattle.
The List Keeps Growing
We’re pretty sure this is just a small sampling of things that can be made. As we continue growing it, we’ll continue to find even more uses for this amazingly versatile plant!
