Industrial Hemp is a plant species in the Cannabis sativa family; it is a sibling of the Marijuana plant.  The main difference between the two is that hemp has about 0.3% or less of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), significantly less than marijuana, which can have 12%-30% or more of THC. One would not experience an altered, euphoric (or “high”) state from hemp.  

There are three main types of Hemp – Flower, Fiber and Grain.  Hemp Flower, is also referred to as CBD (Cannabidiol), as it is naturally abundant in Flower.  CBD is not psychoactive; it has been said that it could actually block the marijuana high.  There are many different types of CBD products, mostly associated with consumable and topical health uses.

With Hemp Fiber, the stalk of the plant is used to make non-consumable textile products.  The stalk has two primary components – bast and hurd.  The bast is the outer layer, which can be used to make clothing and rope, among other products.  The hurd, is the thick inner substance used to make many materials including insulation and concrete, commonly referred to as hempcrete.

Hemp Grain, also called Seed, can be used for many consumable purposes, including usage of the oil from the seed, and the seed itself, which is high in protein and has been associated with a number of other benefits.

Industrial Hemp Flower, Fiber and Grain have many uses, across many platforms – consumable and non-consumable materials and products.  Many of these goods have been reported to be practical, effective and even beneficial in a number of ways, for these and other reasons, Industrial Hemp is expanding in popularity and scale in the United States, and in many countries around the world.  

Ivy League Farms is excited to be a part of this emerging, rather re-emerging industry.

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