Industrial Hemp: An Ancient Crop with Modern Applications
Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa, is one of the first crops to be cultivated by humankind. Despite being largely banned from cultivation during the previous century, legalization under the Farm Bill of 2018 allowed for the cultivation, research, and usage of the crop and is leading to the actualization of its many uses. As the full potential of the plant is realized, each portion of the plant has been harnessed and utilized in various industries. A key example of which is the cultivation of hemp to produce fiber materials derived from the stems and branches of the plants which are used in various applications ranging from industrial to household applications. Industrial hemp in its resin glands contains over 1000 metabolic compounds - including flavonoids, terpenoids, and cannabinoids - which has led to the development of nutraceuticals. These compounds are heavily utilized in industries with an emphasis on the cosmetics industry, athletic supplement industry, and pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, industrial hemp may be utilized in biofortification for limiting nutritional deficiencies as well as in land reclamation of areas contaminated by mining or other industrial practices. This plays a critical role in repurposing these lands for housing and other developmental projects demanded by the expanding population. With the realization of industrial hemp’s true potential, the economic and agronomic value of industrial hemp research and cultivation is quickly increasing and is expected to reach 11.3 billion dollars by 2030.
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Metadata
| Work Title | Industrial Hemp: An Ancient Crop with Modern Applications |
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| License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
| Work Type | Poster |
| Publication Date | 2023 |
| DOI | doi:10.26207/cykf-h474 |
| Deposited | May 23, 2023 |