Elevated Learning
The Many Uses of Cannabis
Besides Smoking It
by Danielle Buntyon , contributing writer
What do you think of when you hear the word “ cannabis ”? Most people still see the image of a young person with red , glossy eyes and a joint in hand . However , cannabis usage extends far beyond smoking consumption . The primary species we will highlight in this article is Cannabis Sativa ( hemp ) of the Cannabaceae family . Hemp is grown specifically for its low THC content and high versatility . Despite being non-native to America , hemp was once considered a staple throughout our nation ’ s history . Several industries are working to innovate and restore the wide range of cannabis in the U . S . In this article , we will give you an alternative image that ’ s lesser known to the mainstream and explain the various uses of cannabis .
Fashion & Merchandise : Hemp Clothing
Hurd
Ecological : Compost
Hemp clothing and textiles have been used worldwide for centuries . To understand how it ’ s made , we must look at the plant ’ s anatomy . The hemp stalk is categorized into two parts : the bast and the hurd . Hemp hurd is the woody inner layer ; hemp bast is the fiber itself . Once hemp is harvested and left to soften , the bast is separated from the core through a decortication process . Thankfully , machinery is tasked with this arduous step — as it was once completed by hand ! Following decortication , hemp fiber is then woven into fabric . The length of hemp fiber makes hemp clothing and textiles notably durable — strong fabric results in longer-lasting clothes , which keeps excess fashion waste out of our landfills . The eco-friendly nature of hemp clothing has been vital for various organizations pushing to restore America ’ s hemp fiber economy .
In recent years , farmers have been leaving conventional agriculture for regenerative agriculture . Regenerative agriculture is a beyond organic , nature-mimicking approach to farming , emphasizing biodiversity , land / water rehabilitation , and energy conservation . One of
the fundamental principles of regenerative agriculture is to protect the soil . Craft cannabis and hemp growers practice this by composting waste from the very cannabis / hemp they grow . An example of this practice can be seen on-site at Jade ’ s Elevation . It keeps the hemp leaves it trims on the topsoil . Once the decomposition process takes place , nutrients are released into the ground . As it continues to “ trim and leave it ,” more organic matter is built over time . This increase in organic matter feeds the life in the soil and gifts us with happy , healthy hemp .
Commercial & Residential Development : Hempcrete
Building homes with hemp is one of the most promising applications of hemp .
Did you know that hemp is also used as a building material ? Hempcrete is made of hemp shiv ( core ), lime , and water . The concoction is combined in an industrial cement mixer . It is then packed into wooden framing or shaped into blocks to be laid similar to brickwork . Hemp shiv can bind with lime due to its high silica content . This binding causes the hempcrete to cure over time and harden into a strong yet lightweight material . Its low density performs well under stressors such as earthquakes or naturally occurring shifting . Said to be the future of construction materials .
The curing process of hempcrete also sequesters CO2 ( carbon dioxide ) from the atmosphere , making it a choice material for developers aiming to build with the environment in mind . Hempcrete is known for being insulating and breathable , which disallows mold growth . Hempcrete ’ s insulation also improves its energy efficiency when compared to concrete . Hempcrete has an R-value ( thermal resistance ) of 2.4 and 4.8 per wall inch , whilst concrete only has an R-value of 0.1 to 0.2 per inch . Additionally , hempcrete is fire-resistant , pest-resistant , and perfect for