The hemp plant is a versatile resource harvested throughout history for a variety of different purposes—from constructing homes to producing textiles. Today, these are some of the most valuable uses for industrial hemp.

Food

One of the most popular uses for hemp is food. Hemp contains high quantities of amino and fatty acids and protein, which make it a great addition in multiple recipes. It also has a unique, nutty flavor and can be consumed raw, as an oil, or even powdered and blended with water to form teas and drinks.

Body oil

The beauty industry increasingly finds uses for industrial hemp. By using extraction equipment, hemp extract oil can be harvested from the plant—including CBD oil. Such oils are often infused into skincare products or shampoos thanks to their powerful moisturizing properties.

Clothing

Hemp has been used to make various forms of clothing for thousands of years. According to Hemp Basics, "1 acre of hemp will produce as much fiber as 2 to 3 acres of cotton." Its durable fibers help make clothing last longer which it why it’s commonly used to make durable clothing items such as jeans and athletic wear. The versatile material is also used by celebrity designers, such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, to make high-fashion attire.

Fuel

Hemp seed oil provides a non-toxic alternative to petroleum fuel, commonly known as biodiesel. Due to hemp’s ability to grow in a variety of different conditions and locations, this clean-burning fuel is expected to become a substantial source of environmentally-friendly diesel in the future.

Construction equipment

The hemp plant is mostly composed of a sturdy, wood-like core known as the hull. Hemp’s strong, durable fibers make it a valuable resource for producing more ecological materials such as hemp-infused concrete that are highly resistant to wear, water, or weather-related damage.