Source: DD News
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: Himachal Pradesh has legalised and initiated regulated cultivation of industrial hemp under the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote a bio-economy–led growth model.
About Industrial hemp:
What it is?
- Industrial hemp is a non-intoxicating variety of Cannabis sativa cultivated for fibre, seed, and biomass, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content below 0.3%, making it unsuitable for drug use.
Origin:
- Native to Central and South Asia, with millennia-old use in textiles, ropes, paper, and medicine
- Now legally cultivated across parts of Europe, North America, and Asia under regulated THC thresholds
Key characteristics:
- Low THC (<0.3%) and high fibre/seed yield
- Climate-resilient: Requires ~50% less water than cotton and grows in marginal soils
- Fast-growing: Harvest cycle of 70–140 days
- Soil-friendly: Suppresses weeds and improves soil structure via deep roots
- High biomass yield: Suitable for fibre, oilseed, and dual-purpose use
Applications:
- Construction: Hempcrete is a lightweight, insulating material that absorbs more carbon than it emits, offering a carbon-negative alternative for sustainable building.
- Paper & packaging: Hemp provides a low-impact pulp source, requiring fewer chemicals and enabling recyclable, biodegradable packaging solutions.
- Pharmaceuticals & wellness: Hemp-derived oils and extracts are used in nutraceuticals and medicines for pain relief and anti-inflammatory applications without psychoactive effects.
- Cosmetics & personal care: Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, making it valuable for skin-friendly creams, lotions, and hair products.
- Bio-energy & bioplastics: Hemp biomass can be converted into renewable fuels and biodegradable plastics, supporting a circular and low-carbon economy.
