Industrial Hemp is an ancient crop that is made of
strong fibres, four to six times stronger than cotton! It is a distinct
variety of the plant species "Cannabis Sativa L." and is often confused
with marijuana because of the similar leaf shape. Hemp contains
virtually no THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient
in marijuana. Marijuana typically contains between 3 and 20% THC, while
industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.3% to be legally cultivated
in Canada. Growing hemp is still, sadly, illegal in many other parts of
the world because of its misconception as marijuana.

Here are just a few reasons why hemp
is the material of choice for my home-based sewing business, and why
you may want to consider incorporating more hemp products into your
household!

• Hemp requires no pesticides to aid in its growth, as it is naturally pest resistant.

• Hemp requires no herbicides because it is grown so densely that it smothers out other plants.

• Hemp requires little or no fertilizer.

• Hemp is a renewable resource.

• Hemp’s strong roots help control erosion, and it needs very little water to grow.

• One acre of hemp produces as much fibre as 4 acres of trees!

• Hemp grows to maturity in 100 days (versus trees which can take up to 100 years).

• Almost
  all parts of the hemp plant can are useful, creating very little waste.
  Hemp seeds contain oil which can be used in beauty products. The hemp
  stalk's outer fibre can be used to create fabric, rope, paper and other
  textiles. The woody core can be used for construction and as an
  alternative fuel resource. Hemp-derived cellulose can even be used to
  make plastics.

• Hemp is naturally mold-resistant, and it was used as sails and ropes on ships in the 19^th century because of its strength and durability in wet conditions.

• The
  natural look of hemp fabric is so appealing that no bleaching is
  required. It is lightweight, long-wearing, easy to clean and
  breathable.

For more information about hemp and hemp products, you may wish to visit my website at www.anayoga.com.