WHY HEMP

The Cannabis sativa plant - from which comes hemp and marijuana - has been around forever. Hemp has been one of the most significant crops for mankind; all parts of the plant can be cultivated to make textiles, durable goods, medicine, and building materials. 

Hemp grows like a weed without the need of pesticides, is drought tolerant, and the plant’s long roots enrich the soil and protect it from runoff. The hemp leaves absorb 4x the amount of CO2 from the atmosphere as trees. Hemp is a hoot!
 

Yet in 1937, the United States government, under the influence of the lobbying of synthetic textile companies and several other powerful groups who saw hemp as a big threat to their businesses, banned hemp altogether. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that made history by legalizing hemp in the USA as an agricultural commodity, it is owl good, once again.

Hemp is the fibre of the cannabis plant that is extracted from the stem to make fabrics.  The weaving of hemp fabrics is one of the world’s oldest industries, and soon will be the only sustainable path left for our future.  Described as an environmental “super fibre”, hemp is a high-yield crop that requires no pesticides or herbicides, whereas cotton crops account for around 25% of world pesticide use. Hemp requires 50% less water to grow than cotton, and doesn't wear out as quickly as cotton. 

Hemp provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with a UV protection, anti-odor properties, and superior durability seldom found in other materials. Choosing hemp apparel is a  safer, healthier, stronger, and a more sustainable decision for you - and the planet! 

Why hemp fabric:

Earth Friendly: Every piece of hemp clothing and good begins on the farm, where ecological and regenerative farming methods are used. Hemp is 100% biodegradable. 

Super Comfortable: Hemp apparel is soft, providing a natural layer against your skin, plus it’s static-free and hypoallergenic. Hemp also benefits from washing, becoming softer with each wash.

Extremely Durable: Hemp clothes are stronger, long-lasting, hold its shape, stretch less, are resistant to salt water damage, and will outlast its competition by many years. 

UV Resistant: Hemp has a natural built–in UV protection. This UV protection also means that colors won’t fade. 

Natural Insulator: Hemp fibers are hollow enabling your clothes to "breathe" which keeps you cool in the heat. In cold weather air gets trapped in the fibers which is then warmed by the body, making hemp clothing naturally warm as well.

Antibacterial & Antimicrobial: Hemp fabric is naturally antibacterial making it highly resistant to mold, mildew, and rotting; and antimicrobial, providing natural odor protection.

Many of the benefits attributed to hemp skincare products is through the use of hemp seed oil, pressed from the whole hemp seeds, the ‘superfood’ part of the hemp plant. This natural oil is an A+ source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and loaded with plenty of minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc), vitamins B1, B2, and antioxidants (vitamin E, carotene) that are anti-inflammatory, next-level skin moisturizers.

Hemp skincare benefits:

Highly Moisturizing: Good for all skin types and safe to be used by everyone in the family as hemp seed oil doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils, and is highly moisturizing without clogging pores. Hemp seed oil helps balance out oily skin, hydrating it, and regulating the skin’s oil production.

Naturally Nourishing: If you're suffering from dry, cracked, damaged, or itchy skin, the oil’s omega fatty acid content nourishes the skin at the cellular level while ridding your skin of any dirt and bacteria.

Anti-Inflammatory: Hemp seed oil acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps skin conditions such as psoriasis, skin irritations, acne, and eczema.

Anti-Aging: Key amino acids in hemp seed oil help reduce fine lines, as well as simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell generation. Vitamins stimulate natural collagen production, leaving your skin smooth and firm.

The stalk of the hemp plant contains two types of fiber — the outer bast (fiber) and the inner woody core, the shiv (hurd). 

When you slice a hemp stalk in half, you’ll see, nestled in a snug hollow tube, a long, string-like band running the length inside. This is hemp’s famous bast fiber. When harvested correctly, the fiber is actually stronger than steel. Steel bridges, buildings, appliances, cars, fences and more will one day be built with hemp. Currently the stalk and its fiber are used mainly in clothing, backpacks, rope, and more.

Often referred to as the woody core, hemp hurd is the soft inner core of the hemp plant stem. It is highly absorbent and rich in cellulose and has great thermal and acoustic properties. The hurd can be used in a wide variety of industrial and everyday products, such as cement, insulation, wood chips, animal bedding and paper. As a form of pulp, it can be used to make biodegradable plastics that can be easily broken down and recycled. Out of its many applications, hempcrete (concrete made from hemp) has been gaining a lot of attention globally as a natural substitute to concrete. More houses are starting to be built in hempcrete due to its strong insulation, windproof, and low carbon footprint properties.

No other single plant source can compare with the nutritional value of hemp seeds. This small allergen-free seed, packs a good source of all nine essential amino acids, protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids which helps with immune system and cholesterol levels. Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. Hemp seeds contribute to a strong immune system, good health and vitality.  

Hemp seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense foods we can serve to our families, are easy to eat and cook with, and they have a pleasantly nutty taste, like a cross between a sunflower seed and a pine nut. Hemp seeds are typically hulled and used in variety of ways. Seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, made into milk, and are even used to make protein powder (try it in granola bars). Hemp seeds can also be cold pressed into oil to be added to salad dressings, sauces, dips, and shakes.