You are certainly familiar with CBD and perhaps other cannabinoids, but what do you really know about hemp? This plant with multiple uses, particularly in textiles and industry, is the source of cannabinoids. Discover its millennia-old cultivation history, its applications to this day, the varieties, and the stages of cultivation.
A very ancient plant
The long history of hemp
Did you know that hemp, or Cannabis sativa L., is a plant that has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years? Indeed, archaeological evidence of its use dates back to 6,000 BC, in China and Central Asia! It must be admitted that it has interesting advantages in agriculture : great adaptability to various climates, rapid growth, no treatment requirements, and almost all its parts are usable.
History has shown that it was mainly grown for its fibers, which were used to make clothing, paper, and ropes. Not very demanding, hemp could be grown in rotation without depleting the land.
Thus, for centuries, it was grown notably in Europe, because it represented an essential raw material. We think of boat sails, but also military uniforms, for example. Robust and easy to grow, it was the plant to cultivate;
Nowadays, it is still grown for its fibers. But also, as you know, for its seeds, or for its flowers. The latter are the source of cannabinoids such as CBD, HHC, THC, ETC; which you can find on the Puffy shop.
Hemp varieties
The confusion between hemp and cannabis has persisted, people thought they were dealing with two distinct plants, while these two plants both belong to the same species: Cannabis sativa. Here are 4 subspecies of hemp:
- Cannabis sativa sativa: cultivated hemp,
- Cannabis sativa indica: Indian hemp,
- Cannabis sativa spontanea (Cannabis ruderalis): wild hemp,
- Cannabis sativa kafiristanica (Cannabis afghanica): Afghan hemp.
In addition to these cannabis subspecies, there are many varieties that are selected for their CBD, or CBG, or THC content.
The different stages of hemp cultivation
Cultivating hemp from an industrial or large-scale agricultural point of view requires a few key steps.
Ideal growing conditions
Hemp thrives in light, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral pH, uncompacted and not too acidic. Rather resistant to various climatic conditions, it does not need chemical treatment. Furthermore, its roots seek water deep down, so there is no need for regular irrigation. It is an ideal plant for sustainable agriculture.
Sowing
Hemp is sown between the months of April and May, depending on the region. It is preferable to sow in soil that has started to warm up (at least 10°C). The seeds are placed at a depth of 2 or 3 cm, respecting a distance of 15 to 20 cm between the rows. Hemp will reach its adult size (up to 3 meters), in less than 4 months.
Harvesting
Hemp fibers are cut before the flowers appear (if growing for fibers), while we will wait for the flowers to mature to harvest them, that is between August and September in general. The flowers are dried to preserve the cannabinoids, which are then extracted.
Why is hemp still grown today?
As you can see, cannabis or hemp has always been grown and has therefore never disappeared. Today, it is part of an agricultural, industrial, and sustainable dimension. It is truly a plant with impressive potential!
Hemp allows the regeneration of soils, by capturing CO₂, by structuring the soil, it plays a strategic role in organic and regenerative agriculture. Furthermore, it provides a versatile raw material:
- bio-based plastics;
- animal bedding;
- food oils;
- supplements rich in omega-3;
- textile fibers;
- construction materials;
- cannabinoids.
With Puffy, you will discover cannabinoids from controlled hemp cultivation, to get the best flowers!
