Hemp is annual herbaceous plant of the species, cannabis sativa meaning 'useful hemp'. It is a high yield commercial fibre crop, which flourishes in areas with temperate climates.

Every part of the plant can be used commercially. Its core, fibres, seeds and flowers serve as raw material for numerous products in a variety of sectors: food of varying descriptions, health products, clothing, fabrics, cosmetics, bags, paper, books, carpets, insulation materials, fibre-reinforced plastics, animal bedding, body-care products and aromatic essential oils are all produced from hemp.

How does hemp differ from cannabis?

Cannabis has high levels of THC in its flowers and leaves, a chemical, which is produced to protect its leaves from sunlight. Southern latitude strains, such as those from India and Africa, are high in THC whereas the northern latitude strains, from Europe and Russia, have a very low content. The low-THC strain (less than 0.3%) is known as hemp and the high-THC strain (more than 4.0%) is known as cannabis.

The blanket ban on the cannabis plant fifty years ago in U.S.A. in 1937 made no exception for hemp, as the two plants look virtually identical. However by the '70s, scientists had been able to isolate THC, which made it possible to prove beyond any doubt the difference between the hemp and cannabis strains.

Braintree Baby Reversible Bib 3 Pack (Natural) [$18.57]

Hemp Hat [$25.26]

Field Shoulder Bag [$75.52]

Deluxe Hemp Waist Bag [$33.16]

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