After a long period of oblivion, hemp is currently experiencing a renaissance and is being used in numerous industries and products. We encounter cannabis everywhere - as a cosmetic product, in medicine, in textiles, as a building material and even in food. Hemp is often seen as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to various materials, as hemp is robust and easy to grow. Alongside bamboo, it is one of the most rapidly renewable resources on our planet. You can read about the actual benefits of cannabis in agriculture and why it is so sustainable in this article.
Cannabis is a very old and valuable cultivated plant. Its exact origin is difficult to determine, but it is known that hemp was cultivated in Persia and China more than 5000 years ago. In Asia, it was used in the manufacture of fabrics, ropes, paper and medicinal preparations. In Europe, the ancient Greeks and Romans discovered hemp for themselves. The indigenous peoples of Central America, particularly in areas such as Mexico and Central America, also cultivated hemp. There it was used in the manufacture of clothing, ropes, nets and various articles of daily use.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, hemp was one of the most important plants in the world and was used in many different ways. Unfortunately, political circumstances, particularly in connection with the Second World War, led to the complete suppression of this crop. It was displaced by cotton, among other things. It was not until the 1980s that the benefits of hemp were once again recognized, leading to the emergence of structures and interest groups that campaigned for the revival of this plant worldwide. Today, cannabis is celebrating a major comeback, particularly in agriculture. Low-THC hemp is also referred to as fiber or industrial hemp. It cannot be used to produce drugs or medical products, but is cultivated for industrial use.
In addition, hemp is not only an all-rounder when it comes to its intended use, it also has many ecological advantages. The whole plant can be used - from seed to root. Hemp fibers are robust and easy to process. They make (almost) no demands when it comes to soil conditions or climate. This means that long transportation routes can be avoided, as it can be grown locally anywhere. Cannabis also does not require much water and is therefore resource-friendly. It requires 50 percent less water than cotton. What's more, hemp is a real superfood - it contains large amounts of vitamin D as well as valuable plant proteins and fats. This could reduce the consumption of animal proteins, which not only makes ethical but also ecological sense. Furthermore, the plant is fast-growing, hardy and tear-resistant, which is an advantage in paper production. No pesticides are needed, as cannabis protects itself against diseases and pests by its very nature. It is also used in the production of ropes, insulating material and bioplastics, as well as in the manufacture of cosmetics, paints and varnishes. It should not be forgotten that cannabis produces oxygen and binds CO2. As you can see, hemp is a small ecological miracle and offers many benefits for our environment.
In Switzerland, it is legally permitted to produce hemp, which is not considered a narcotic, for agricultural purposes. However, this is only permitted with certified seeds. As far as general biodiversity is concerned, Switzerland is actively working at international and regional level to protect and preserve it. Switzerland is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international agreements on the protection of biodiversity. It is committed to effective measures and political strategies to conserve, promote and sustainably use biodiversity. There are various global and regional agreements that deal with the protection of biodiversity.
Hemp is a plant whose full potential has not yet been exploited. Unfortunately, society still focuses too much on the intoxicating elements, which are not present in industrial hemp. More education in society and openness could lead to more people getting to know cannabis and discovering its benefits for themselves. It is particularly important in agriculture and for our environment. It can be grown locally, is versatile, conserves resources, produces oxygen and is not very demanding. It has over 10,000 industrial uses. The future belongs to hemp!