Monday, October 12, 2015

Hemp and its benefits




 Today, I decided to talk about the benefits of hemp. Some people are in favor and others are against it. Whatever your stand in legalizing hemp (in the U.S. or in Texas) is, take into consideration that there are various reasons to why some people are in favor. You would be surprised to know of the potential of hemp in our daily lives and how they can be beneficial to your health, to your savings, and to the environment.

1) Let’s begin with FUEL. Hemp hurds can be converted into gasoline through a heat process called pyrolysis. Hemp hurds can also produce ethanol, methanol, methane and electricity. To put in perspective the benefits of hemp production, 10 tons of biomass per acre can be produced every 4 months. This means that it takes only 6% of U.S land mass to provide energy for the entire country if hemp was used.


2) Hemp FIBERs used in textile is a very old process. In fact, they were used as fabrics since 8,000 BCE. In comparison to cotton, 1 acre of hemp can produce the same as 2-3 acres of cotton. It also has more textile strength than cotton. In fact, it is 8x more durable than cotton. Hemp fibers adjust to the climate. They breathe well in warmer climates and its hollow fibers make it warm in colder climates. On top of that, they grow well without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides.

3) Hemp PAPER. An interesting fact about is that the Declaration of Independence was actually drafted on hemp paper. Despite its applicability and quality as paper, hemp brings benefit to the environment as well. 1 acre of hemp equals 4.1 acres of trees. This means that if hemp was used as a source of paper we would reduce the amount of trees cut down.  

4) FOOD. We have seen how hemp can be incorporated in our routine in gas, fabric or even paper. Hemp benefits are also nutritional. With that said, we can also consume hemp. This is where it gets a bit more complicated in terms of legalizing hemp production. There is a greater push to allow its use in industrial settings but the actual farming is still not allowed. At least, not in the U.S. Hemp is very rich in proteins and easily digested. It is loaded with 20 amino acids and it has the best ratio (3:1) of omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 linoleic acid.



5) Why is the nutritional aspect of hemp so important? Because it can be used as MEDICINE. Hemp oil is obtained by pressing hemp seeds and hemp seeds provide 9kcal/g of oil. This oil can be used in body products because it can prevent moisture loss and partially compensates for the effects of aging. Aging is not bad but why not aging in a healthy way? Hemp oil researches have been approved in some states. It is the gamma linoleic acid and linoleic acid of hemp oil that can be used in treatments of neurodermitis, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and even help on pre-menstrual syndrome.   

Now it is up to YOU. Research more if you got interested in the subject. If you are still against it, again consider all possible beneficial effects and uses industrial hemp can do to the economy and to the environment. If you are in favor and want to take action then look at this site and get involved.

References for images in order of appearance:

More references:
https://www.pinterest.com/teensturngreen/hemp/
www.pikdit.com
www.sarahkayhoffman.com
www.hemphelps.org
www.thinglink.com
www.7hemp.com



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