Hemp 101
Answers to the most-asked questions about hemp:
Hemp Basics
What is hemp?
Hemp is the industrial, non-psychoactive phenotype of Cannabis sativa. In the United States, this means the THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) level must remain below 0.3% to legally be classified as hemp.
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What is marijuana?
Legally, any cannabis with over 0.3% THC present is considered marijuana as of the 2018 Farm Bill. THC is still considered a Schedule I drug - meaning the government considers it as dangerous as heroin or fentanyl - even though it is now legal in over half of the states in America. See the history section below for more information.
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What can hemp do?
Hemp plants have been used for thousands of years for a variety of products. A few examples of uses we would find marketable today include:
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Fiber: Hemp fibers can be used to make a variety of products, including clothing, rope, paper, and insulation.
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Food: Hemp seeds can be consumed as a nutritious food source, and are used to make protein powder, cooking oil, and hemp milk.
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Supplements: Hemp-derived supplements, such as CBD oil, are increasingly popular for their potential health benefits.
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Construction materials: Hempcrete, a building material made from hemp fibers, is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete.
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Biofuel: Hemp oil can be used as a renewable source of biofuel.
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Plastics: Hemp fibers can be used to create bioplastics that are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than traditional plastics.
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Beauty and personal care products: Hemp oil is used in a variety of beauty and personal care products, such as soaps, lotions, and shampoos.
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What is CBD and why do we see it touted at smoke shops all over Texas/the US?
CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. This is a phytocannabinoid that is produced naturally by cannabis plants along with a whole array of other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. CBD is non-psychoactive and analgesic in nature. The CBD molecules interact with existing CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body's endocannabinoid system to manage pain and nerve responses. Research is just now beginning to expand on cannabinoids like CBD after over 50 years of prohibition. We see CBD offered all over Texas because it is the most marketable cannabinoid currently legal to sell. Many people find CBD to be useful for pain management, relaxation, and sleep, though the research is still ongoing on the scientific effectiveness of the compound.
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Can I grow hemp in Texas?
Yes! It is legal to grow hemp varietals of cannabis in the state of Texas, as long as you have the proper licensure and protocols in place. The Texas Department of Agriculture's hemp program website has more information on what you need to get started, and also has the portal to purchase hemp cultivator licenses.
History of Hemp
Why was cannabis made illegal in the first place?
Hemp, a crop with a rich and long-standing history, was produced by early American immigrants for decades before the anti-marijuana campaign by the US government began. The name "marijuana" is a moniker first given to the plant by the Marihuana Tax Act of 1938 which was penned by Harry Anslinger, passed by the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was a re-branding of all forms of cannabis, including hemp, by Harry Anslinger and the government as part of a propaganda-filled campaign to demonize cannabis in all its forms. At the time, "marijuana" was associated with racist views of Mexican immigrants and African American jazz musicians. This demonization and wrongful association began a long history of disproportionate incarceration of minorities for non-violent drug charges in the US that we are still burdened with to this day.
The Future of Hemp
Upcoming research and new laws on the books regarding cannabis can be found in this section. Updates to come.
