History of Hemp
Hemp tends to have a bit of a stigma attached to it because of past legislation and negative press. We take look at the history of hemp and how it is fast-becoming a positive plant!
What is Hemp?
Hemp tends to have a bit of a stigma attached to it because of past legislation and negative press. Because of how people associate this natural plant, cannabis and marijuana, many deem the plant unsafe to use. However, more and more positive stories are being shared about hemp and its benefits, as well as more information on ‘what is hemp’ and increasingly more places are legalising it.
Today, hemp is used in various industries, from textiles to food production. In this article, we will explore the history of hemp, its many uses, the distinction between hemp and CBD, and how it continues to evolve in different markets.
The Early History of Hemp
Hemp has a fascinating history in the UK, the USA, and other countries all over the world. The earliest mention of hemp in the UK mentions Cambri Formosa. She was a Celtic princess who taught women to sew and weave with hemp in 373 BC. Some sources suggest that hemp was brought to Britain from Asia around 800 BC. Roman and Anglo-Saxon hemp findings in this country date back to 140–400 AD, while findings from various locations in the UK have been dated back to the early 12th century.
Hemp has been used in many ways over the years. In the early days, this included wide use in ships’ sails, rigging, ropes, sacks, and often even on sailors’ clothes and uniforms. Hemp quickly became extremely valuable because of its many uses, with wars being fought over it. Thousands of jobs were created and supported because of how highly sought-after hemp was.
Hemp in War and Legislation
Records exist for the use of hemp in the UK in World War I; however, it was soon outlawed in 1928. During World War II, an order placed for it to be imported from the US went unfulfilled after it was mistakenly grouped with the psychoactive varieties of the Cannabis plant.
The American Marijuana Tax Act in 1937 dissuaded farmers from cultivating the plant. Following the end of the war, further prohibition occurred. Hemp was commonly confused with its psychoactive cousin and was often vilified in the media and politics. Then, as the ‘war on drugs’ was started by President Nixon, hemp was outlawed in 1971 in the USA.
Since then, hemp was re-legalised in the UK in 1993. It is still only legal in a handful of states in the USA despite the popularity of the industry in Canada. In many European nations, small markets for hemp still exist. Today, hemp is used in diverse industries, including textiles, paper, cosmetics, and even food production.
Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD?
One of the most common questions people ask is: Is hemp oil the same as CBD? The short answer is no. While both come from the cannabis plant, they are derived from different parts and serve different purposes. CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, whereas hemp oil is typically made by cold-pressing hemp seeds and does not contain CBD.
A key milestone in CBD’s acceptance came when GW Pharma developed the first FDA-approved CBD-based drug. CBD has become popular for its potential health benefits, with many people using it to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, and seizures. Available in forms such as oils, tinctures, vape liquids, and gummies, CBD continues to gain traction in both medical and wellness communities.
What Is Hemp Oil, and What Is It Used For?
As described above, hemp oil is made by cold-pressing hemp seeds. It comes in the form of a clear, green oil and has a nutty flavour. This oil is used for its many beneficial properties, including:
Food oil: Hemp oil can be used for cooking and comes with various health benefits when consumed. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Skincare: Noted for its moisturising properties, hemp oil is used within many skincare products and can alleviate many skin conditions. For example, it has been reported that it can help with reducing the severity of acne, eczema and psoriasis.
For those producing products containing hemp, Lifestyle Packaging provides many skincare packaging and bodycare packaging options for the effective protection and attractive presentation of your products.
The Future of Hemp and Its Role in Packaging
Today, hemp is regaining its status as a valuable natural resource in addition to its usage for hemp oil. With sustainability becoming a priority across industries, hemp is increasingly being explored as an eco-friendly alternative for various applications, including biodegradable plastics, textiles, and packaging solutions.
As consumers and businesses alike seek sustainable alternatives, companies such as Lifestyle Packaging are focusing on innovative solutions, including plastic bottle packaging, CBD packaging, glass packaging and child-resistant glass jars. With hemp’s versatility and environmental benefits, it may play an essential role in the future of sustainable packaging and product development.
Hemp’s journey from a historic staple to a banned substance and now a resurgent sustainable material highlights its importance across industries. As research continues and legislation evolves, hemp’s role in sectors like packaging, healthcare, and textiles is set to grow. With eco-conscious consumers driving demand, hemp could soon become an even bigger part of our daily lives.
Get in Touch
At Lifestyle, we supply a diverse range of packaging products for a variety of different sectors. If you have any questions about our packaging offerings for hemp oil-based products, get in touch with us today. We’ll be more than happy to help you find the right packaging option for your business.
