Hobbies And Interests
Food
Hemp can be processed into oil, plus its seeds are edible. Hemp is the only plant to contain all the essential fatty acids and amino acids needed by the body. The nutritional value of hemp is therefore substantial, as these vitamins and minerals facilitate the metabolism, brain, heart and skin.
Skin Care
Skin care products containing hemp can replenish and moisturize the skin. Omega-3 and Omega-6 contained in the hemp helps repair dry and damaged skin. Hemp is a natural product, and manufacturers do not need to add chemicals to hemp-based soaps, shampoos and other items.
Paper
Found in China and dated to 140 B.C., the world's oldest known piece of paper was made from hemp. Paper is made by pounding up the hemp fibers and reforming it into paper. The advantage of using hemp over trees lies in the fact that hemp grows quickly; it can regenerate within months, unlike a tree, which can take 30 years or more to regenerate. Hemp produces between three and four times more pulp per acre than trees, so it is also more productive. Plus, it is acid free since the manufacturing process requires no bleaching chemicals.
Textiles
Hemp can form the basis of fabric, clothing, canvas and cloth. Levi Strauss' original jeans were made from hemp. The material breathes naturally, allowing air to flow around your skin. It is not irritating and can be recycled easily. It can also become rope, rigging, nets and sails. Hemp is water resistant, strong and durable, making its use for these purposes advantageous.
Fuel
With depleting resources of fossil fuels, hemp provides a renewable, natural biofuel --- an alternative to coal or gas. Biofuels emit less carbon monoxide than fossil fuels, contributing to improved air quality.
Plastic
Normally, plastics are associated with chemicals, but hemp can also become a form of plastic. In 1941, Henry Ford demonstrated the potential use of hemp by hitting a hammer against the shell of a car made from hemp to demonstrate its strength. Using hemp plastics instead of chemical plastics would be advantageous since hemp is natural and thus much more easily recyclable.