Hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Other names: Hemp

Hemp, also known as Hemp, is a plant native to Asia that now grows virtually all over the world. It is a type of hemp that is known for its wide range of industrial and medicinal uses. Its seeds, leaves and stems are the source of many products. Today's science and technology can make use of almost all parts of the hemp plant, be it its tough fibres, its seeds rich in proteins and omega fatty acids, or its flowers containing active substances such as CBD and THC.

Hemp is used in the textile industry, for example, where its fibres are used to make clothing, ropes and yarn. In the paper industry, it is used to produce recycled paper and in the automotive industry it forms part of the panels of some cars. It is also used in the food industry, particularly for the production of hemp seed oil or as a source of protein in foodstuffs. Hemp is also used in cosmetics for the production of creams, balms, shampoos and soaps, thanks to its regenerative and soothing properties.

Last but not least, hemp has a significant impact in medicine. Doctors and scientists are researching and using the plant to treat a range of ailments. It is a source of CBD (cannabidiol), which has been shown to be effective in treating many diseases and disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and depression. Hemp is also a source of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a substance known for its psychoactive effects and is the active ingredient in both medical and recreational cannabis.