Hemp 101: "Everything you need to know"

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial purposes. It is one of the fastest-growing plants and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, food, and fuel.

Here are some key things to know about hemp:

1. Hemp and marijuana are different plants. While hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species, they are distinct from each other. Hemp contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana its "high." In contrast, marijuana contains higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD, another compound found in the cannabis plant.
   

2. Hemp has a long history of use. Hemp has been used by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to ancient China, India, and the Middle East. It has been used for a wide variety of purposes, including as a source of fiber, food, and medicine.
   

3. Hemp can be used for a wide range of products. Hemp can be used to produce a wide variety of products, including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, food, and fuel. Some of the most popular products made from hemp include hemp seed oil, CBD oil, and hemp-based cosmetics.
   

4. Hemp is environmentally friendly. Hemp is a highly sustainable crop that requires relatively little water and no pesticides or herbicides. It is also biodegradable and can be used to produce a wide variety of eco-friendly products.
   

5. Hemp is legal in many parts of the world. While hemp is still illegal in some parts of the world, it has been legalized for industrial purposes in many countries, including Canada, South Africa, the European Union, and China.
   

Hemp is a versatile and sustainable crop that has a wide range of potential applications. As more people become aware of the benefits of hemp, it is likely to become an increasingly popular crop for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.

Hemp Developments in South Africa:

Hemp cultivation and use has been legal in South Africa since 2017, when the government passed legislation allowing the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes. Since then, there has been a growing interest in hemp production and a number of companies have emerged to take advantage of this new market.

One of the key developments in South Africa's hemp industry has been the establishment of the Hemp Industry Association of South Africa (HIASA) in 2019. HIASA was formed to represent the interests of hemp farmers, processors, and traders in the country and to promote the growth of the hemp industry.

There are also several companies that have emerged in South Africa that focus on hemp cultivation, production, and sales. These companies produce a wide range of hemp-based products, including textiles, building materials, food products, and cosmetics.

In addition, the South African government has announced plans to invest in the development of the hemp industry. In 2020, the government launched a program to promote the cultivation of industrial hemp in the country, with the goal of creating jobs and boosting economic growth. The hemp industry in South Africa is still in its early stages of development, but there is a growing interest and investment in this sector, both from private companies and from the government.