Hemp, hemp, hemp. You hear about it everywhere. But what exactly is it? What can you use it for? Hemp can be used for much more than just rope fibers.

We’re here to explain everything to you.

What is hemp?

First, let’s answer the most important question: what is hemp? Short answer: it’s a plant! It’s also a member of the cannabis family. So, yes. It is related to marijuana. But it’s not the same as marijuana.

Both hemp and marijuana derive from cannabis sativa. They even may look the same, making it even more confusing to tell them apart. According to Leafwell Botanicals, marijuana growth is focused on maximizing THC, while hemp growth is focused on minimizing THC and maximizing other cannabinoids. The bottom line is legal: hemp needs to have less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana is considered anything above that. 

There is also a difference between the hemp flower and hemp fiber.

Hemp flower is a dried herb that can be used like marijuana, but “without the hallucinogenic and psychotropic side effects”. The hemp flower can also be used to make concentrates like oils, tinctures or infusions. Hemp for fiber is mainly used for textiles, which makes it industrial hemp. Hemp’s tall fibrous stalk and seeds can be used to create all sorts of products:

• Rope
• Plastics
• Paper
• Textiles (clothes, carpets, other textiles)
• Hempcrete (a new type of concrete)
• Superfoods

They’re even grown differently to allow each type to reach its maximum potential for the final consumer uses.

“Hemp is one the strongest natural fibers on earth and is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to produce rope, clothes, paper and more. There’s been a form of hemp based concrete that has proven to be lighter than concrete and 5 times as strong. There’s even been reports of hemp based plastic substitutes coming to market.”

Zachary Parker, Partner & Owner, Core Extractions

Hemp Benefits

Aside from its soothing and calming properties, hemp also has economic & environmental benefits. 

Hemp can help clean up the soil

This cannabis plant is extremely durable and can survive in all sorts of weather and harsh conditions. It’s also a “bio-accumulator”, which means it cleans up the soil by extracting materials like lead, cadmium, and nickel.

Hemp is a better option for textiles

The hemp plant may be a much better choice than another popular textile: cotton. Cotton can only grow in moderate climates and it requires a lot more water than hemp. It also requires a lot of pesticides and herbicides. 

Hemp, on the other hand, is a tough plant that can handle frost, requires moderate amounts of water, and can grow in every state of the USA. And its different uses and applications for end products also make it a smart choice when it comes to planting because it can be used for much more than just textiles.

And if that wasn’t enough, this amazing plant can also be used for cattle feed! The hemp seed is rich in fatty acids, Omega 3, 6, and 9… all of which are required for healthy cattle.

The only thing hemp CAN’T do? Get you high. Since it contains 0.3% THC or less, it will not result in any psychoactive or hallucinogenic experiences. 

Hemp Job Market

Since the legalization of hemp and marijuana, the industry has seen a boom in education and job opportunities. More and more effort has been put into the cannabis and hemp industry, including farming, dispensaries, marketing, business, and a whole lot of science.

We actually already created an article featuring 12 great jobs in the cannabis industry (and how to get them!), but the hemp industry has job opportunities in agriculture, processing, manufacturing, accounting, legal, government relations, insurance, transportation, research, laboratory, dispensary, retail, and marketing. To name a few.

And in order to get these jobs, you need…

Our Courses and Certifications

At CSC Education, we strongly believe that education is the pillar to success and growth. Which is why if you are looking to get a job in the hemp and cannabis industry, or even if you’re just looking for more accurate information, studying is always the answer.

This is why we’ve developed programs, courses and certifications for every type of student:

Cannabis Horticulture

This program is meant to teach everything you need to know about growing medical-grade cannabis. People interested in cannabis jobs focused on growth and farming will benefit greatly from it.

Cannabis Dispensary

This program is meant for future managers, supervisors, and entrepreneurs. It’s a well-rounded approach for anyone looking for a cannabis job with a more administrative approach.

Medical Applications of Cannabis

This program is meant to equip anyone with scientific facts about cannabis medicine, going into detail as to its effects on the human body & the medical community approach. This is particularly useful to students with a medical background, but will also work for anyone interested in consulting, journalism, policy, advocacy, and government cannabis jobs.

All of our courses are available for anyone looking to learn more about cannabis. And enrollment is available both physically and online to guarantee full reach to anyone who wishes to be a part of CSC Education.

You’ve now passed our 101 course: All About Hemp Course. Are you ready to take it to the next level?